Indian Seafarer Killed as Tankers Attacked Near Basra Port in Iraq
Basra/Baghdad, March 12, 2026:
An Indian seafarer was killed and several others narrowly escaped after two oil tankers came under attack in Iraqi territorial waters near the Khor Al Zubair port, close to Basra, in the Persian Gulf overnight between March 11 and 12. The incident has heightened tensions in the already volatile Gulf region and raised concerns over the safety of international shipping routes.
One of the vessels targeted was the Marshall Islands-flagged product tanker Safesea Vishnu, owned by a United States-based company. The tanker, built in 2007 with a capacity of about 74,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT), had reportedly loaded fuel cargo in Iraq and was chartered by an Iraqi firm contracted with the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO).
According to Iraqi port officials and multiple international reports, the attack is believed to have been carried out using an Iranian “suicide” boat — an explosive-laden unmanned or remotely operated vessel — or possibly an underwater drone. Explosions triggered a fire onboard the tanker, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. Videos shared by Iraqi port authorities showed flames engulfing sections of the vessel.
In the attack on Safesea Vishnu, one Indian crew member lost his life. Authorities said the identity of the deceased seafarer has not yet been publicly released, pending formal notification to the victim’s family. The remaining 27 crew members and personnel onboard were successfully rescued by Iraqi maritime authorities and taken safely to Basra.
A second vessel, the Malta-flagged tanker Zefyros, owned by a Greek company and built in 2013 with a capacity of approximately 50,200 DWT, was also struck in the same area while carrying condensate products. Both ships were operating in a ship-to-ship loading zone within Iraqi waters when the attacks occurred.
Rescue operations were launched immediately after the explosions. Iraqi authorities deployed six rescue vessels, evacuating about 38 crew members from the two tankers. While most crew members were rescued safely, officials confirmed one fatality and said searches were conducted to ensure no personnel remained missing.
Iraqi officials condemned the incident, describing it as a “cowardly act of sabotage” targeting commercial maritime activity. Preliminary reports suggested that the assault may have involved Iranian-linked elements. Some international media outlets cited claims circulating in Iranian state-aligned media indicating that underwater drones were used in the operation to demonstrate the capability to strike vessels west of the Strait of Hormuz.
The attacks come amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Security analysts noted that maritime routes in the Persian Gulf and nearby waters have increasingly become flashpoints in the broader regional conflict.
Following the incident, Iraq temporarily suspended operations at several oil terminals and ports as a precautionary measure while security agencies assessed the situation.
The attacks have also sparked fresh concerns in global energy markets, as the Persian Gulf remains one of the world’s most critical corridors for crude oil and petroleum product shipments. Any disruption in the region could impact shipping insurance, freight rates, and international oil supply chains.
At the time of reporting, official statements from the governments of Iraq, the United States, and Iran were limited, with authorities indicating that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact nature of the attack and those responsible.
The death of the Indian seafarer has drawn particular attention, highlighting the risks faced by international maritime workers operating in conflict-prone waters. Further details about the victim and the circumstances of the attack are expected to emerge as investigations continue.
