NEW DELHI: An Indian national was killed after an oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Oman, triggering an explosion and fire onboard, Omani authorities said on Monday.
According to Oman’s maritime security centre, the oil tanker MKD VYOM was targeted 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat Governorate amid rising tensions in the Gulf region.
"The oil tanker MKD VYOM, flying the flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, was attacked by an unmanned boat 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat Governorate. The tanker was carrying approximately 59,463 metric tons of cargo," the Omani maritime security centre said in a statement.
Authorities said the strike led to a blast inside the vessel’s engine section.
"The attack resulted in a fire and explosion in the main engine room, killing one crew member, an Indian national," it added.
The incident comes as Iran continues its retaliation campaign across the Gulf following recent military escalations in the region. Further details on the condition of other crew members or the extent of damage to the vessel were not immediately available.
