Last-Minute Deployment Of Indian Seafarer Ends In Tragedy After Explosive Boat Hits Tanker Near Iraq

tanker fire — Screengrab from YT video posted by ET Now

A 55-year-old seafarer from Mumbai died after an explosive speedboat hit a tanker near Basra, Iraq, on March 12. The attack happened during cargo transfer operations.

The seafarer, Deonandan Prasad Singh, was the only person killed among 28 crew members on MT Safesea Vishnu. The ship was carrying around 48,000 metric tonnes of naphtha.

Singh was not supposed to be on this voyage. He had shifted to a shore-based job, but his company, Bravo Ship Management, asked him to join the ship shortly before it sailed. His family said they still do not know why he was sent.

He had over 30 years of experience at sea and had recently reduced sailing to spend more time with his family.

The attack took place near Khor Al Zubair Port. The speedboat hit the tanker and caused a fire. Crew members jumped into the water to escape.

A tug helped rescue them, and the Iraqi Coast Guard later brought all 28 crew members, including 16 Indians and 12 Filipinos, to safety. Singh was seriously injured and did not survive.

His family last spoke to him at around 2:30 am on March 12, when he called and said the ship was on fire. After that, they could not contact him.

The incident comes as tensions in the region continue due to the Iran–Israel conflict. Ships in these waters are facing higher risks.

India is currently monitoring 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers in the region. Since February 28, about 276 Indian sailors have been brought back from the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas, remains under pressure. Despite the risks, some Indian ships have passed through the area safely with extra security.

Reference: The Indian Express

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