A Gujarat-registered cargo ship, Haji Ali, sank off Oman’s northern coast near Limah early Wednesday after being struck by an unidentified explosive object, suspected to be a drone or missile. The incident occurred around 3:30 am, triggering a fire onboard that destabilized the vessel before it went under.
The ship, registered at Salaya Port in Devbhoomi Dwarka district, was transporting livestock from Somalia to Sharjah when the strike occurred. Despite the sudden impact and ensuing blaze, all 14 Indian crew members were rescued safely by Omani authorities.
The attack has raised serious concerns over maritime security in the region, particularly amid escalating tensions linked to the Iran–US conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the strike, calling it “deplorable” and emphasising the need for international vigilance to safeguard commercial shipping routes.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of merchant vessels operating in conflict-prone waters and highlights the growing risks posed by drone warfare in maritime zones.
