Indian Engineer Killed in Iranian Drone Attack on Oil Tanker Near Iraq Port
In a tragic maritime incident, Deonandan Prasad Singh, a 54-year-old resident of Kandivli, Mumbai, was killed after the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu came under attack near Khor Al Zubair Port, close to Basra, Iraq. The attack occurred on Wednesday, according to the director general of shipping, ministry of port, shipping and waterways.
Details of the Fatal Attack
In a press release on March 12, the ministry confirmed the death of one Indian seafarer. An official stated that Singh, who was serving as the additional chief engineer (superintendent) aboard the vessel, died following the attack. Singh sustained severe injuries during the incident and later succumbed to them. Authorities and relevant maritime agencies have been informed, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack is underway.
Family Alleges Forced Return to Sea Duty
Singh's family has raised serious concerns, alleging that he had been on shore duty for over seven years after leaving sailing work. Having served on the engineering side for almost 25 years, the company forced him to rejoin a ship just three days before the war began when the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
A family member expressed anguish, stating, "Singh was killed almost two weeks after joining the vessel in Iraq. It is sort of forcing him to join as he has signed the agreement with the company and in a corporate world one has to abide by the company's rules and regulations. Despite having stopped sailing and having taken a shore desk job, he was sent to die. The company forced him to join the ship as per the contract clause he had signed and joined the ship in Iraq three days prior to the war beginning."
Rescue Operations and Crew Safety
Following the attack, all crew members abandoned the vessel and entered the water. They were promptly rescued by an STS tug. The Iraqi Coast Guard evacuated all 28 crew members, which included 16 Indian nationals and 12 Filipino nationals, and transported them to the port of Basra. This swift action prevented further casualties, but the loss of Singh has cast a shadow over the incident.
Official Response and Condolences
The DG Shipping office in Mumbai remained tight-lipped about the details, while the shipping company, Executive Management or Bravo Shipping Management, has yet to respond to inquiries from media outlets. The management of MT Safesea Vishnu and associated stakeholders have expressed their condolences to Singh's family, acknowledging the profound loss.
In a show of solidarity, the alumni cell of BIT Sindri posted a condolence message on Facebook, honoring Singh's memory and contributions. This incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by Indian seafarers in volatile regions, particularly amid heightened tensions such as the Israel-Iran conflict.
The attack near Basra highlights critical issues in maritime security and corporate practices, raising questions about the safety protocols and contractual obligations for seafarers in conflict zones. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Singh and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
