One seafarer killed in latest Strait of Hormuz attack

An Indian crew member tragically died from head injuries when the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao was attacked off the east coast of Oman, 15NM north of Khasab, on 23 September. The other 19 Indian seafarers aboard were rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman.

The UKMTO reported yesterday that the 2002-built 170,000dwt vessel, which was en route to India, was still on fire and adrift, with no pollution sighted.

The Indian Government’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement saying: “The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. We reiterate our call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and enable early return of peace in the region. The targeting of shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region must be restored at the earliest.”

The vessel is listed as being managed by Peonies Shipmanagement FZE of Ajman, and owned by a fellow UAE-based company.

According to latest IMO figures (as of 24 September), there have now been 85 confirmed incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and Middle East since the start of the US-Iran war on 28 February, with 24 confirmed seafarer fatalities.