Indian Sailor Killed After Vessel Hit Off Oman

An Indian sailor died and 13 crew members were rescued after the Indian-flagged vessel MSV Al Jusufi was struck by an unidentified aerial object off Oman on November 2, Indian officials said. The vessel was carrying 14 Indian nationals. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal identified the deceased as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a sailor from Gujarat. He said the 13 other crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard. Ajij died from injuries sustained in the incident. India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the strike and said the Indian Embassy in Oman was coordinating with Omani authorities to assist the survivors and arrange the early repatriation of the crew and Ajij’s remains. The ministry did not announce a specific repatriation date. The ministry also called for de-escalation and an end to attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure. It said safe, unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways should be restored in accordance with international law. The object that struck the vessel and the party responsible have not been identified in the official statements described by Indian authorities. The reports did not provide an independent...