Daijiworld Media Network - Basra
Basra, Mar 12: An Indian national was killed after an Iranian “suicide” boat attacked the US-owned oil tanker Safesea Vishnu near Iraq’s territorial waters, according to reports.
The vessel, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was targeted near the Khor Al Zubair port off Iraq when a suicide boat allegedly rammed the tanker during the attack carried out by Iran amid the escalating West Asia tensions.
Officials said the Indian crew member died in the incident while the remaining 27 crew and personnel on board were safely rescued and taken to the southern Iraqi city of Basra.
Shipping sources said the attack has heightened concerns over the safety of commercial vessels operating in the region as tensions continue to rise in West Asia.
The management of the tanker has urged the Government of India to strongly condemn the attack and take urgent steps to ensure the safety of crew members working on ships in the conflict-hit waters.
Sources also expressed concern that Indian nationals could become “collateral damage” in such incidents as Indians make up more than 15 percent of the global seafaring workforce.
According to shipping data website Vessel Finder, the 228.6-metre-long and 32.57-metre-wide Safesea Vishnu is a crude oil tanker built in 2007. The vessel has a gross tonnage of 42,010 and a deadweight tonnage of 73,976.
Authorities are monitoring the situation as tensions in the region continue to affect maritime operations.