Veteran Indian marine engineer Deonandan Prasad Singh tragically lost his life when a drone or explosive device struck the oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu near an Iraqi port. Singh, the only fatality among the 28 crew members, succumbed to his injuries after being evacuated along with the rest of the crew who abandoned the vessel. This incident, occurring amid escalating regional tensions, underscores the increasing dangers faced by seafarers operating in conflict-prone waters.
Singh, a seasoned maritime professional in his mid-50s, had decades of experience in marine engineering. He had recently transitioned to shore-based duties but was reportedly compelled to return to active sailing just days before the attack. His family expressed their distress, claiming he was forced to join the vessel under contractual obligations, despite having stepped away from sailing for over seven years.
Following the attack, the Iraqi Coast Guard successfully evacuated all crew members, which included 16 Indians and 12 Filipinos, to safety. While the majority escaped unharmed, Singh’s death highlights the broader maritime security concerns amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by civilian maritime workers and has prompted calls for improved safety protocols and risk assessments to protect seafarers in volatile regions.
