Indian sailor killed after oil tanker attacked near Basra; 15 crew members evacuated safely

An Indian sailor was killed after a US-owned crude oil tanker came under attack near Basra in Iraq on Wednesday, amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region. The remaining 15 Indian crew members on board the vessel were safely evacuated and moved to a secure location, according to the Indian Embassy in Baghdad, reported news agency IANS. The tanker, Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was reportedly targeted during an attack that involved underwater drones. Iranian authorities have claimed responsibility for the strike, which also damaged another oil tanker operating in the region, reported IANS. Indian Embassy confirms death of crew member In a statement posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Baghdad confirmed the death of one Indian sailor in the attack and said the remaining crew members had been safely rescued. 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, the embassy said. Officials said the mission is in constant contact with Iraqi authorities and the rescued sailors to ensure their safety and provide assistance. The embassy also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased crew member, stating that it was extending all possible support to those affected by the incident. Two oil tankers targeted in Persian Gulf attack According to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the attack involved underwater drones that struck two oil tankers operating in the Persian Gulf, reported IANS. The vessels reportedly targeted were the Maltese-flagged tanker Zefyros and the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu. While the Safesea Vishnu is owned by the US-based company Safesea Transport Inc., the tanker Zefyros is owned by a Greek shipping firm. Reports indicated that one of the tankers caught fire after being struck in Iraqi territorial waters, raising concerns about maritime safety in the already volatile region. Rising threats to maritime traffic in Strait of Hormuz The attack comes at a time when security concerns have intensified across the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. Iran had earlier warned that ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz could be targeted if they ignored Iranian directives. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world, with nearly 20 per cent of global oil supply passing through the narrow waterway. Any disruption to traffic in the region has immediate implications for global energy markets and shipping routes. Despite the warnings, limited maritime traffic has continued through the route, though overall movement has declined sharply due to security risks and rising geopolitical tensions. Escalating conflict impacts global energy markets The latest incident comes amid the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which has entered its 12th day. The conflict has significantly heightened tensions across West Asia and increased risks for commercial shipping. In response to potential threats in the Strait of Hormuz, the administration of US President Donald Trump said American forces have taken steps to counter possible attacks and ensure maritime security in the region. The continuing conflict has already disrupted shipping routes and triggered sharp increases in global oil prices, as markets react to fears of supply disruptions from one of the worlds most important energy transit corridors. (With inputs from IANS)