Indian Seafarer From Mumbai Killed In Iranian Strike On US Tanker, Family Says He Was Forced To Join War

Last Updated:March 14, 2026, 09:54 IST

Family members alleged that the company forced Deonandan Prasad Singh to rejoin duty three days before the war began when the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

A 54-year-old seafarer from Kandivli, Deonandan Prasad Singh, was killed after the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu, on which he was serving, came under attack near Khor Al Zubair Port close to Basra, Iraq, on Wednesday. The information was confirmed by the director general of shipping under the ministry of port, shipping and waterways.

In a press release issued on March 12, the ministry confirmed the death of one Indian seafarer. An official said Singh, who was serving as the additional chief engineer (superintendent) on the vessel, died following the attack.

A ministry official said 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 he was forced to rejoin ship amid war

Singh’s family said he had been on shore duty for more than seven years after leaving sailing work. He had earlier served on the engineering side for nearly 25 years.

Family members alleged that the company forced him to rejoin a ship three days before the war began when the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.

“Singh was killed almost two weeks after he joined the vessel in Iraq. It is sort of forcing him to join as he had 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 he joined the ship in Iraq three days before the war began," a family member said as quoted by Times of India.

Crew rescued after attack

After the incident, all crew members abandoned the vessel and entered the water. They were rescued by an STS tug. The Iraqi Coast Guard evacuated all 28 crew members, including 16 Indian nationals and 12 Filipino nationals, and transported them to the port of Basra.

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