Baghdad: An Indian national was killed after an oil tanker came under attack off the coast of Basra in Iraq, raising fresh security concerns in the Persian Gulf. The vessel, Saphesia Vishnu, owned by a US company and sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was targeted near the Khor Al-Zubair Port while anchored in a ship-to-ship transfer zone.
Officials suspect the attack may have been a suicide strike, possibly involving an Iranian unmanned boat or an explosive-laden vessel that rammed into the tanker. The incident was confirmed by Farhan Al-Fartousi, who told the Iraqi News Agency that an Indian crew member died in the attack, though the victim’s identity has not yet been disclosed.
Authorities said the remaining 27 crew members were rescued safely and moved to Basra. Built in 2007, the crude oil tanker Saphesia Vishnu is a massive vessel measuring about 228.6 metres in length and 32.57 metres in width. Investigations are underway as tensions continue to escalate across the region’s vital shipping routes.
