New Delhi, Mar 12 (UNI) A US-owned oil tanker, MT Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was attacked near Basra, Iraq, triggering a major fire onboard and resulting in the death of one Indian seafarer.
The remaining 15 Indian crew members have been safely evacuated, and the Embassy of India in Baghdad is coordinating with Iraqi authorities to provide all necessary assistance.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) said on Thursday that the tanker, MT Safesea Vishnu, was struck by an unidentified object at around 2100 hrs UTC while conducting ship-to-ship (STS) cargo loading operations off Khor Al Zubair Port. The vessel, flagged in the Marshall Islands and carrying about 48,000 metric tonnes of naphtha, caught fire following the impact.
Preliminary reports indicate that a white-coloured unmanned speedboat carrying explosives approached the vessel from the starboard side and rammed into it, triggering a major blaze onboard, the DGS said in a statement.
All crew members abandoned the vessel and jumped into the water to escape the fire. They were later rescued by a tug engaged in the STS operation nearby. The Iraqi Coast Guard evacuated the 28 crew members, including 16 Indian and 12 Filipino nationals, and transported them safely towards the Port of Basra.
The Directorate General of Shipping confirmed that one Indian seafarer died in the incident. Among those rescued are 15 Indian nationals, including the ship’s master.
Officials said the rescued crew members are currently safe and have been taken to a small island near Basra. The Indian Embassy in Baghdad is coordinating with Iraqi authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the Indian nationals and to provide necessary assistance.
Firefighting tugs remain deployed at the site and are working to contain the blaze on the vessel.
The Directorate General of Shipping expressed condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer, and said the government is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with relevant authorities, noting that the incident underscores growing security risks for commercial shipping in the region.
Embassy of India in Iraq has also extended its deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased crew member.
UNI AAB RSA