Indian Crew Member Killed in Underwater Drone Attack on US-Owned Oil Tanker An Indian crew member died after an underwater drone attack struck the US-owned oil tanker Safesea Vishnu near Basra, Iraq, according to the Indian Embassy in Baghdad. The attack occurred on March 11, 2026, and the remaining 15 Indian crew members were evacuated to safety. Iran claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its forces used underwater drones to target the vessel, which is owned by the US-based company Safesea Transport Inc. A second oil tanker, the Maltese-flagged Zefyros, was also damaged in the attack, though it did not result in casualties. The incident took place in Iraq’s territorial waters, where Iran has previously threatened to "set fire" to any ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil shipments. The strait, located between Iran and Oman, is approximately 55 kilometers wide and serves as a vital artery for about 20% of the world’s oil. The attack on the Safesea Vishnu marks the first time a US-owned oil tanker has been targeted in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States-Israeli alliance. The Indian Embassy confirmed it is in contact with Iraqi authorities to ensure the safety of the rescued sailors. A CNN report suggested that an Iranian boat rigged with explosives may have been involved in the attack, though an investigation is ongoing. The incident has raised concerns about the escalating tensions in the region, as the conflict has already disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. In addition to the Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros, at least three other commercial vessels have been struck by "unknown projectiles" in the Strait of Hormuz.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #iranian_embassy #safesea_vishnu #safesea_transport_inc
