# Maritime attacks in the Strait of Hormuz

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260923-maritime-attacks-in-the-strait-of-hormuz
> Updated: 2026-09-23T17:59:10.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

On September 23, 2026, the commercial bulk carrier MV Cape Dao, flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, was struck by two torpedoes near the Musandam Governorate, approximately 2.5 nautical miles off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The attack caused a fire in the vessel’s engine room and damage to the C-deck accommodation area.

The Royal Navy of Oman evacuated 27 crew members. One 26-year-old Indian seafarer, Suraj Yadav from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, was killed in the incident. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities and recruitment agencies to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and ensure the safety of the remaining crew.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, describing the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in West Asia as “deeply worrisome” and calling for immediate dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and restore free, unimpeded navigation.

This incident follows a pattern of maritime security risks in the region. Data from the International Maritime Organization indicates 83 confirmed maritime incidents and 23 sailor fatalities in the Strait of Hormuz and Middle East regions since a recent escalation began. Other recent targets in the area include the Saudi oil tanker ‘SIDR’ and the vessel ‘EL GAIA’.

## Claims

- The Indian Embassy in Muscat confirmed the death of one Indian national. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The Royal Navy of Oman evacuated the surviving crew members following the attack. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The MV Cape Dao was struck twice on its port side, once near the engine room and once near the C-deck accommodation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- There were 28 crew members on board the vessel, including 20 Indians. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Indian Ministry of External Affairs called for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions in West Asia. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, catching fire and leaving it adrift. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The FSUI requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assist with the repatriation of Yadav's remains and provide compensation to his family. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Oman evacuates 27 crew after commercial vessel attack near Musandam

Oman evacuated 27 crew members after a commercial vessel was targeted near Musandam, resulting in one death and an engine room fire near the Strait of Hormuz.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oman-evacuates-27-crew-after-commercial-vessel-attack-near-musandam

### 2026-09-23: MV Cape Dao attacked near Oman, killing one Indian seafarer

An Indian seafarer was killed and 27 crew members evacuated after the MV Cape Dao was struck by torpedoes near the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mv-cape-dao-attack-near-oman-kills-indian-seafarer

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Cite as: Maritime attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260923-maritime-attacks-in-the-strait-of-hormuz