Indian crew member killed after attack on oil tanker Safesea Vishnu near Iraq

An Indian crew member was killed after a US-owned oil tanker, Safesea Vishnu, was attacked near Basra in Iraq’s territorial waters. The vessel, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was reportedly targeted by an Iranian ‘suicide’ boat.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 12 March 2026, 12:26 PM IST

Iran-Linked Boat Attack on US-Owned Tanker Leaves Indian Sailor Dead

New Delhi: One Indian sailor was killed in an Iranian attack, while the remaining crew was rescued safely. The attack occurred on the US-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker Safesea Vishnu near Basra, Iraq, on 11 March. The tanker was targeted by an Iranian "suicide boat."

Sequence of events and rescue

The name of the Indian sailor killed in the attack is currently being withheld. There were 28 people on board, 27 of whom were safely rescued and transported to Basra. The Indian Embassy in Baghdad immediately contacted Iraqi authorities and offered all possible assistance to ensure the safety of the rescued Indian sailors.

Company statement

Safesea company sources stated that they were deeply saddened by the news of the death of the Indian sailor in the attack. The company has appealed to the Indian government to strongly condemn the attack and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of ships in the region.

Threat to Indian Seafarers

Experts say that Indians constitute more than 15 percent of the global seafarer population. Consequently, any attack, regardless of the ship, could have a "side effect" on Indian citizens.

Tanker Information

The Safesea Vishnu is a crude oil tanker measuring 228.6 meters in length and 32.57 meters in width. Built in 2007, it currently operates under the flag of the Marshall Islands. Its gross tonnage is 42,010 and deadweight tonnage is 73,976.

Indian Embassy Statement

The Indian Embassy expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer and assured all possible assistance to the rescued seafarers. The Embassy is in constant contact with Iraqi authorities and monitoring the situation to ensure their safety.

This attack reflects the escalating tensions in West Asia and the seriousness of the maritime security crisis. The Indian government has said that it will take necessary steps to ensure regional security and the safety of Indian sailors.