The Indian-flagged cargo vessel MSV Haji Ali has sunk off the coast of Oman following an incident that Indian authorities described as a possible attack on board the ship.
The incident occurred at approximately 03:30 local time on May 13 near Limah, along Oman’s northern coastline. The 57-meter vessel was transporting livestock and was en route to Sharjah, UAE, carrying around 4,000 sheep and goats that had been loaded in Berbera, Somalia.
According to preliminary reports, the vessel came under attack, triggering a fire on board. The blaze eventually caused the ship to lose stability and capsize. The exact circumstances and motive behind the incident remain unclear and are currently under investigation.
There were 14 crew members on board, all Indian nationals. Oman’s Coast Guard successfully rescued the entire crew and transported them to the Port of Dibba. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Indian authorities also confirmed that the crew managed to retain important personal documents, including passports, seafarers’ books, and other paperwork.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident, calling the attack “unacceptable” and stressing that civilian commercial vessels must not become targets. Officials also emphasized the importance of maintaining maritime security in the region.
