An Indian national has reportedly been killed in an attack on a US-owned oil tanker near Iraq after an Iranian “suicide” boat targeted the vessel inside Iraqi territorial waters, according to sources.
The tanker, Safesea Vishnu, which is owned by a US company and sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was attacked near the Khor Al Zubair Port in southern Iraq.
The vessel was struck by an Iranian unmanned or suicide boat during the incident.
One Indian crew member was killed in the attack. Authorities have not yet publicly released the identity of the victim. The remaining 27 crew members and personnel on board were safely rescued and have been transported to Basra for further assistance and evaluation.
The Indian embassy in Iraq, confirming the death, said 15 other Indian crew members onboard the ship were evacuated.
"On March 11, 2026, a US-owned crude oil tanker, Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was attacked near Basra, Iraq, in which one Indian crew member unfortunately lost his life," the Indian embassy in Iraq said on social media.
"The remaining 15 Indian crew have since been evacuated to a safe place," it said.
The embassy said it is in regular contact with Iraqi authorities and rescued Indian sailors and is offering all possible assistance to them. The mission extended its "deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased crew member.
Sources close to Safesea voiced concern that as Indians constitute over 15 per cent of the seafarers globally, irrespective of whichever ship Iran targets, Indian nationals will be "collateral damage".
According to information on website Vessel Finder, the 228.6 meters long and 32.57 meters wide Safesea Vishnu is a crude oil tanker built in 2007, currently sailing under the flag of Marshall Islands.
It has a gross tonnage of 42010 and deadweight tonnage of 73976.
(With inputs from PTI)