A rescuer guides a person out of a lifeboat, after Iranian explosive-laden boats seem to have attacked two gasoline tankers in Iraqi waters setting them ablaze, in line with port officers, maritime safety and danger companies, on this screengrab taken from a handout video launched on March 12, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
An Indian nationwide has reportedly been killed in an assault carried out by Iran utilizing a “suicide” boat in opposition to a U.S.-owned oil tanker close to Iraq.
U.S.-owned and Marshal Island-flagged oil tanker Safesea Vishnu was attacked off Khor Al Zubair port on Wednesday inside Iraq’s territorial waters by an Iranian “suicide” boat, sources informed PTI.
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An Indian nationwide, whose identify is being withheld in the meanwhile, has reportedly been killed within the assault, whereas the remaining 27 crew and personnel on the oil tanker have been rescued and brought to Basra, the sources stated.
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Sources near Safesea, talking on situation of anonymity, stated the corporate is devastated to study of the lack of the Indian nationwide within the assault.
They have referred to as for the Indian authorities to strongly condemn the assault and take pressing motion to make sure the protection of crew onboard ships within the area amid the escalating West Asia battle.
The sources voiced concern that, as Indians represent over 15% of the seafarers globally, regardless of whichever ship Iran targets, Indian nationals will probably be “collateral damage”.
The Indian embassy in Iraq on Thursday (March 12) confirmed the dying of the Indian nationwide and stated 15 remaining Indian crew have been rescued off the Safesea Vishnu oil tanker. The embassy, in an announcement on X, stated that it’s in ‘regular contact’ with Iraqi authorities and the rescued Indian sailors, whereas offering ‘all possible assistance’.
According to data on the web site Vessel Finder, the 228.6 metres lengthy and 32.57 metres extensive Safesea Vishnu is a crude oil tanker inbuilt 2007, presently crusing beneath the flag of the Marshall Islands.
It has a gross tonnage of 42010 and deadweight tonnage of 73976.
Published – March 12, 2026 11:20 am IST
