An Indian cargo vessel sank near the coast of Oman after being hit by a suspected drone or missile strike, raising fresh concerns about maritime safety in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz region. Fortunately, all 14 Indian crew members on board were rescued safely by Omani authorities, according to official reports.
The cargo ship, identified as Haji Ali, was registered at Salaya Port in Gujarat’s Devbhoomi Dwarka district. The vessel was reportedly transporting livestock from Somalia to Sharjah when the incident occurred during the early hours of Wednesday morning. Officials stated that the ship was sailing near Limah, located off Oman’s northern coastline, when it came under attack at approximately 3:30 am local time.
According to preliminary reports, an unidentified explosive object believed to be a drone or missile struck the vessel, triggering a major fire onboard. The impact caused severe damage to the ship and led to instability in the waters. Despite efforts to manage the situation, the cargo vessel eventually sank into the sea.
Omani rescue teams immediately launched an emergency operation after receiving distress signals from the ship. All 14 Indian sailors were successfully rescued and shifted to safe locations. Authorities confirmed that none of the crew members suffered life-threatening injuries, though some reportedly experienced minor burns and shock due to the explosion and fire.
The incident has once again highlighted growing security concerns in the Middle East maritime corridor, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. The region has witnessed increased tension in recent weeks amid the ongoing conflict and geopolitical strain involving Iran and the United States. Several international shipping companies have already raised alarms over potential threats to commercial vessels operating in the area.
India strongly reacted to the attack and described the incident as “deeply concerning and deplorable.” Indian authorities are reportedly in touch with officials in Oman to gather more information regarding the attack and ensure proper assistance for the rescued crew members. The Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local agencies.
Maritime experts say attacks on civilian cargo vessels can significantly disrupt international trade and create instability in global shipping networks. The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the busiest maritime passages in the world, handling a major portion of global oil and cargo transportation. Any escalation in the region could impact international markets and shipping operations.
Security agencies are now investigating the exact nature of the strike and whether the vessel was deliberately targeted. Officials have not yet identified the group or source responsible for the attack. However, the use of drones and missiles in maritime attacks has become increasingly common in conflict zones across the Middle East.
The rescued sailors are expected to return to India after necessary formalities and medical examinations are completed. Meanwhile, Indian shipping authorities are likely to issue fresh advisories for vessels operating in high-risk waters near the Gulf region.
The sinking of the Haji Ali serves as a reminder of the growing dangers faced by commercial ships navigating politically sensitive waters. As investigations continue, global attention remains focused on maritime security and the rising risks in one of the world’s most strategically important sea routes.
