The Indian Embassy in Iraq has confirmed a deadly maritime incident involving an international vessel. A US-owned crude oil tanker, Safesea Vishnu, flying the Marshall Islands flag, was attacked near Basra, resulting in the death of one Indian crew member. The embassy reported that the remaining 15 Indian crew members have been safely evacuated amid ongoing instability in regional waters. The embassy is coordinating closely with Iraqi authorities and continues to provide full assistance to the rescued sailors, offering condolences to the family of the deceased.

The attack occurs as tensions in West Asia enter their 13th day. Following multiple strikes on tankers, Iraqi oil terminals suspended operations on Thursday, though commercial ports remain open. Farhan al-Fartousi, head of the state-owned General Company for Ports of Iraq, confirmed that an explosion occurred in the Ship-to-Ship transfer area during loading, involving a tanker flying the Maltese flag. Rescue operations recovered 38 people, including one fatality.

India currently has 28 vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, with 677 seafarers west of the Strait of Hormuz and 101 east. The Ministry of Shipping has maintained a 24-hour control room since February 28, 2026, monitoring the situation and coordinating assistance for Indian seafarers. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an urgent warning about the incidents. Reports indicated two tankers struck near Al Basrah, causing fires but with crews evacuated safely. Another attack occurred near Jebel Ali, UAE, affecting a container ship, though no casualties were reported.

These attacks follow a surge in regional violence after joint US-Israeli operations resulted in the death of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Footage from Turkey's Anadolu Agency showed a foreign tanker near Umm Qasr port engulfed in flames, allegedly from an Iranian attack. India has voiced strong concern over the rising risks to its citizens and commercial interests. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned attacks targeting commercial shipping, noting the loss of lives, including Indian citizens, and the increasing intensity of such incidents. In response, the US is considering targeting Iranian mine-laying vessels to secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz.