Indian National Killed After Oil Tanker Hit Off Iraq Coast

An Indian national has been killed in an attack on an oil tanker off the coast of southern Iraq, amid escalating maritime violence linked to the ongoing confrontation between Iran, United States and Israel in West Asia.

According to media reports citing officials and shipping sources, the incident occurred near Iraq’s Basra coast when an Iranian explosive-laden boat struck the US-owned oil tanker Safesea Vishnu oil tanker while it was operating near the port of Khor Al Zubair. The vessel, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was reportedly targeted during heightened hostilities in the Gulf.

An Indian national, whose name is being withheld at the moment, has reportedly been killed in the attack, while the remaining 27 crew and personnel on the oil tanker have been rescued and taken to Basra, the sources said.

Sources close to Safesea, said the company is devastated to learn of the loss of the Indian national in the attack.

They have called for the Indian government to strongly condemn the attack and take urgent action to ensure the safety of crew onboard ships in the region amid the escalating West Asia conflict.

The sources voiced concern that, as Indians constitute over 15 per cent of the seafarers globally, irrespective of whichever ship Iran targets, Indian nationals will be "collateral damage".

According to information on the website Vessel Finder, the 228.6 meters long and 32.57 meters wide Safesea Vishnu is a crude oil tanker built in 2007, currently sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands.

It has a gross tonnage of 42010 and deadweight tonnage of 73976.

The assault is part of a broader escalation affecting shipping routes in the Gulf region, where attacks on commercial vessels have increased amid the regional conflict. Security analysts warn that the targeting of oil tankers threatens one of the world’s most critical energy corridors and could further disrupt global oil supplies.