The vessel, identified as MT SafeSea Vishnu, was reportedly struck by an explosive-laden unmanned speedboat while operating in the region. Fifteen other Indian crew members on board were rescued and are safe, officials said on Thursday
Commercial vessels are pictured offshore in Dubai amid West Asia tensions. Representational Pic/File
An Indian seafarer was killed after a crude oil tanker came under attack in waters near Basra in Iraq amid the West Asia war that began after the US-Israel joint attack on Iran.
The vessel, identified as MT SafeSea Vishnu, was reportedly struck by an explosive-laden unmanned speedboat while operating in the region. Fifteen other Indian crew members on board were rescued and are safe, officials said on Thursday.
According to the Directorate General of Shipping in Mumbai, the incident occurred at around 2100 hours UTC on March 11, 2026.
The tanker MT SafeSea Vishnu, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was carrying about 48,000 metric tonnes of naphtha at the time.
Preliminary reports suggest that a white unmanned speedboat carrying explosives approached the tanker from the starboard side and rammed into it, causing a major fire on board.
The ship was conducting ship-to-ship cargo loading operations off the Khor Al Zubair Port near Basra when the attack took place, an official statement said.
Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai, says that at approximately 2100 hrs UTC on 11 March 2026, the oil tanker MT SAFESEA VISHNU, which was carrying around 48,000 metric tonnes of naphtha, was struck by a white-coloured unmanned speedboat carrying explosives as per preliminary… pic.twitter.com/9Gd6zhQoT1
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2026
Crew abandoned ship
Following the explosion and fire, all crew members abandoned the vessel and entered the water to escape the blaze.
They were later rescued by a nearby ship-to-ship operations tug working in the area.
The Iraqi Coast Guard evacuated all 28 crew members, including 16 Indian nationals and 12 Filipino nationals, and transported them safely towards the Port of Basra.
Among the rescued crew, 15 Indians survived, including the vessel’s captain.
Indian embassy assisting survivors
The Embassy of India in Baghdad confirmed the death of one Indian crew member and said it is in constant contact with Iraqi authorities.
Officials said the rescued sailors are currently safe and located on a small island near Basra.
The embassy added that it is providing all necessary assistance and support to the Indian nationals affected by the incident.
On March 11, 2026, a US-owned crude oil tanker Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was attacked near Basra, Iraq, in which one Indian crew member unfortunately lost his life. The remaining 15 Indian crew have since been evacuated to a safe place. Embassy of…
— India In Iraq (@EI_Baghdad) March 12, 2026
Govt monitoring security situation
In an official statement, the Directorate General of Shipping expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer.
Authorities said the attack highlights the growing security risks faced by commercial vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region.
Indian officials said they are closely monitoring developments in coordination with international and regional authorities.
Further updates are expected as investigations into the incident continue, it said.
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