On March 11, 2026, a grave maritime incident occurred in the Persian Gulf, involving the Indian crewed oil tanker MT SAFESEA VISHNU. During cargo operations off the coast of Khor Al Zubair, Iraq, the vessel, operating under the Marshall Islands flag and carrying approximately 48,000 metric tonnes of naphtha, was targeted by a remote-controlled explosive device from an unmanned speedboat. The strike led to a significant explosion and fire, prompting an immediate evacuation of the crew.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) of India reported that the tanker was engaged in ship-to-ship (STS) cargo loading when it was attacked. All 28 crew members, which included 16 Indian nationals, were forced to abandon ship. They entered the water for their safety and were subsequently rescued by an STS tug, followed by evacuation to safety by the Iraqi Coast Guard. While the majority were successfully rescued, one Indian crew member lost his life in the explosion, an event confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Iraq and echoed by the DGS, which expressed deep regret over the loss.
Following the incident, the remaining 15 Indian crew members were relocated to safety on a small island near Basra, where they are presently reported to be safe. Specialized firefighting tugs have been deployed to manage the lingering fire on the vessel.
The Indian government has engaged in high-level discussions to ensure the safety of its citizens. The DGS revealed that the Indian Embassy in Baghdad is in consistent contact with both the Iraqi authorities and the rescued sailors, providing necessary assistance and support. They extended condolences to the family members of the deceased seafarer, underscoring the tragedy’s impact.
This incident is a stark reminder of the increasingly perilous security environment that commercial shipping faces in the region, particularly given the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has now extended into its 13th day. The evolving challenges surrounding maritime security were highlighted by the DGS as an urgent concern for shipping operations in the area.
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