New Delhi, Mar 12: An Indian crew member was killed after a US-owned oil tanker came under attack near Iraq’s southern port city of Basra, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in the Middle East.
The tanker, identified as Safesea Vishnu, was reportedly targeted by an explosive boat during the incident. Initial reports suggest the attack may have been carried out by forces linked to Iran, though investigations are ongoing.
Officials said the blast killed one Indian national working aboard the vessel, while the remaining crew members were rescued safely following a swift emergency response.
Maritime authorities confirmed that the tanker sustained damage in the explosion but did not sink. Rescue teams responded quickly and ensured the evacuation and safety of the surviving crew.
The incident occurred in waters near Basra, a key hub for Iraq’s crude oil exports and a strategic location along global energy shipping routes connected to the Persian Gulf.
Security analysts say the attack highlights the growing risks faced by commercial vessels operating in the region as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate.
Industry experts noted that thousands of international seafarers, including many from India, work on merchant vessels that frequently pass through conflict-prone waters in the Middle East.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances of the attack.
The incident has renewed concerns about maritime safety in one of the world’s busiest oil transport corridors, where disruptions could have broader implications for global shipping and energy supply.
