Indian Crew Member Killed After Oil Tankers Attacked Near Iraq’s Basra Coast
Two tankers, Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros, caught fire after explosions in Iraqi waters as surviving Indian crew members were evacuated to safety
An Indian crew member has been killed after two oil tankers were attacked near Iraq’s southern port city of Basra, triggering fires on both vessels and raising new concerns over maritime security in the Persian Gulf.
The incident involved the crude oil tanker Safesea Vishnu, which is linked to a United States company, and the Maltese-flagged tanker Zefyros. Both ships were reportedly operating in waters near Iraq’s Al-Faw peninsula when explosions occurred.
According to the Indian Embassy in Baghdad, the remaining 15 Indian crew members aboard Safesea Vishnu were safely evacuated following the attack and moved to a secure location.
Initial reports indicate that the blasts caused significant damage to both tankers and ignited fires on board. Iraqi maritime authorities and rescue teams responded quickly, bringing surviving crew members ashore in Basra.
One Indian national working aboard the tanker was killed in the incident, officials confirmed.
Details surrounding the method of attack remain unclear. Some regional reports have suggested that explosive devices or drones may have been used, though this has not been independently verified.
Iran’s state broadcaster, IRIB, reported that Iranian forces carried out a strike on two oil tankers in the region using underwater drones. However, international agencies have not confirmed whether the Iranian government has formally claimed responsibility for the attack.
The strike occurred in waters that are strategically significant for global energy supply. The Basra region hosts key Iraqi oil export terminals, and disruptions in the area can quickly affect shipping traffic and oil markets.
Following the incident, Iraqi authorities temporarily halted some maritime operations near the affected zone while security assessments and rescue operations continued.
The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns about the safety of commercial vessels navigating the Persian Gulf and nearby waterways.
Indian diplomatic officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and are working with Iraqi authorities to ensure the safety of the remaining crew members.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and authorities have not yet released a final assessment regarding the source or method of the attack.
