An Indian seafarer lost his life after a crude oil tanker was struck by an unmanned craft on the port side of the vessel while she was conducting ship-to-ship (STS) loading operations.
The vessel, identified as Safesea Vishnu, was reportedly carrying a cargo of naphtha at the time of the incident.
In an official statement, India’s Directorate General of Shipping confirmed the incident involving the oil tanker Safesea Vishnu near Basra, Iraq, on March 11 during ship-to-ship cargo loading operations off Khor Al Zubair Port.
Preliminary reports indicate that a white coloured unmanned speedboat carrying explosives approached the vessel from the starboard side and rammed into it, resulting in a major fire onboard, the statement of the Directorate General of Shipping reads.
Due to the blast, the vessel caught fire, which rapidly spread across the ship. The crew immediately abandoned the vessel and jumped into the water, the company said, adding that they were rescued by nearby rescue boats and subsequently transferred to the Al-Fao Island base.
“Unfortunately, of the 28 crew members on board, one crew member, after being rescued by the rescue team, could not survive due to the ingestion of seawater. The crew member, despite being rendered treatment by the paramedics, could not be revived and was declared brought dead by the hospital authorities at Al-Fao Island,” the company wrote in a post on social media. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our deceased colleague, and we stand firmly behind them at this hour of grief.”
In accordance with the Directorate General of Shipping, the Iraqi Coast Guard evacuated all 28 crew members, including 16 Indian nationals and 12 Filipino nationals, and transported them towards the Port of Basra. Among the rescued personnel, 15 are Indian nationals, including the vessel’s master.
In an official statement, the Directorate General of Shipping expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer. “It is with deep regret that the Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways confirms the demise of one Indian seafarer,” it said.
Authorities said the attack highlights the growing security challenges faced by commercial vessels operating in the region.
The Embassy of India in Baghdad confirmed the death of one crew member and said it is in regular contact with Iraqi authorities and rescued Indian sailors. The Embassy added that it is providing all necessary assistance.
The Directorate General of Shipping said Thursday the rescued seafarers are reported to be safe and are currently located on a small island near Basra.
