An Indian cargo ship sank off the northern coast of Oman after being struck by a suspected drone or missile-like explosive object.
The incident highlights the precarious security environment in the Arabian Sea, where commercial vessels face increasing risks from unidentified aerial threats. The attack occurred near Limah, where the vessel was transporting livestock from Somalia to Sharjah [1].
The MSV Haji Ali was hit around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday [3]. According to reports, the strike triggered a massive fire that eventually led to the vessel sinking [1]. The Oman Coast Guard responded to the emergency, ensuring that all 14 Indian crew members on board were rescued safely [1].
India's Ministry of External Affairs responded to the event on May 14, 2024 [2]. New Delhi described the attack as "deplorable" and condemned the sinking of the vessel [2]. The government has not yet identified the party responsible for the strike, though the nature of the weapon—described variously as a drone or a missile-like projectile—suggests a sophisticated aerial attack [1, 3].
Maritime security in the region has seen a surge in volatility, with cargo ships frequently targeted by non-state actors or regional proxies. The loss of the Haji Ali represents a significant escalation in the targeting of commercial shipping lanes used by Indian-flagged vessels. While the crew survived, the destruction of the ship and its cargo underscores the vulnerability of livestock and trade routes connecting East Africa to the Gulf [1].
Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs said they are monitoring the situation. The coordination between the Oman Coast Guard and Indian authorities allowed for a successful rescue operation despite the speed of the ship's descent following the explosion [1].
“All 14 Indian crew members on board were rescued safely.”
The sinking of the MSV Haji Ali demonstrates that commercial vessels are increasingly targeted by precision-strike capabilities in the Arabian Sea. By striking a livestock carrier, the attackers have signaled that non-military targets are at risk, potentially forcing shipping companies to seek more expensive insurance or alternative routes to avoid the northern coast of Oman.
