MUSCAT – An Indian national was killed after an oil tanker was struck by a drone approximately 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat Governorate.
The tanker, MKD VYOM, flagged to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, was carrying an estimated 59,463 metric tonnes of cargo when it came under attack. According to initial reports, the drone struck the vessel, triggering a fire and explosion inside the main engine room.
The blast resulted in the death of one Indian crew member. No other fatalities were reported.
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The vessel had a total complement of 21 crew members — 16 Indians, four Bangladeshis and one Ukrainian. In coordination with the Maritime Security Center, the crew was evacuated by the commercial vessel MV SAND, which sails under the Panamanian flag.
A ship from the Royal Navy of Oman is currently monitoring the damaged tanker and issuing navigational warnings to vessels transiting the area to ensure maritime safety.
