Indian Seafarer Dies in Tanker Attack Near Iraq's Basra Port
A 54-year-old Indian seafarer from Mumbai has tragically died after the oil tanker he was serving on came under attack near Iraq's southern port city of Basra. The incident occurred on Wednesday, with India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirming the death in an official statement on March 12.
Details of the Attack and Rescue Operation
The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT Safesea Vishnu was struck near Khor Al Zubair Port, leading to severe injuries for the seafarer, identified as Deonandan Prasad Singh. According to India's Directorate General of Shipping, Singh was working as an additional chief engineer aboard the vessel. Officials reported that he sustained severe injuries during the attack and later succumbed to them.
Following the incident, the tanker's crew abandoned the vessel and entered the water. They were later rescued by an STS tug. The Iraqi Coast Guard successfully evacuated all 28 crew members, which included 16 Indians and 12 Filipinos, bringing them safely to the port of Basra.
Profile of the Deceased Seafarer
Deonandan Prasad Singh, a resident of Kandivli, Mumbai, had nearly 25 years of experience in marine engineering. Interestingly, he had not been sailing for several years and was working in a shore-based role before returning to sea. His family revealed that he had moved to a desk job more than seven years ago but was asked to rejoin ship duty shortly before the conflict in the region escalated.
"Despite having stopped sailing and having taken a shore desk job, he was sent to join the ship as per a contract clause," a family member stated. Singh joined the vessel in Iraq just three days before the war began when the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. He died less than two weeks after boarding the vessel.
Family's Account and Investigation
Family members told news agency PTI that the vessel carrying Singh was allegedly targeted by an Iranian "suicidal ship" during the hostilities in the region. In an attempt to save his life, Singh jumped into the sea. "Rescue teams tried their best to save him, but they could not succeed," his brother Krishnanandan Prasad Singh said.
The family received a call around 5 am from a company official informing them about the attack and Singh's death. Singh originally hailed from Rani Bamia village in Sonhaula block of Bihar's Bhagalpur district. He is survived by a son and a daughter, with his son, who lives in the United States, having left for India after learning about the incident.
Official Response and Condolences
The Directorate General of Shipping office in Mumbai did not comment on the matter, while the shipping company managing the vessel, Executive Management or Bravo Shipping Management, did not respond to requests for comment. However, the management of MT Safesea Vishnu and associated stakeholders expressed condolences to Singh's family.
A condolence message was also posted by the alumni association of BIT Sindri, where Singh had studied. Authorities and relevant maritime agencies have been informed, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack is currently underway.
