A US-owned oil tanker, the Safesea Vishnu, was attacked near Basra, Iraq, on Wednesday, resulting in the death of an Indian crew member. Another vessel, the Malta-flagged Zefyros, also came under attack during the incident. The Safesea Vishnu, chartered by an Iraqi company affiliated with the State Organisation for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), was involved in a fuel cargo transfer at Umm Qasar anchorage when the attack occurred.
The Indian embassy in Iraq confirmed the attack, stating that one Indian crew member lost his life, while the remaining 15 crew members were successfully evacuated to safety. The embassy is in continuous communication with Iraqi authorities to provide assistance to the rescued sailors. Authorities reported that all 23 crew members aboard the Zefyros are safe.
In light of the escalating security concerns, operations at Iraqi oil terminals were suspended, although commercial ports remain operational. Farhan al-Fartousi, director general of the state-owned General Company for Ports of Iraq, confirmed the suspension to the Iraqi News Agency.
The Indian government expressed dismay over the targeting of commercial shipping amidst ongoing military conflicts, noting that a Thai vessel was also attacked in the region. Currently, 28 Indian-flagged vessels are operating in the Persian Gulf, with the safety of 677 Indian seafarers being closely monitored.
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