New Delhi: An Indian national died after an oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Oman, triggering an explosion and fire on board, Omani authorities said on Monday.According to Oman’s Maritime Security Center, the oil tanker MKD VYOM was attacked 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat governorate amid rising tensions in the Gulf.“The MKD VYOM tanker flying the flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands was attacked by an unmanned ship 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat Governorate. The tanker was carrying approximately 59,463 tons of cargo,” the Oman Maritime Security Center said in a statement.Authorities said the attack caused an explosion in part of the ship’s engine.“The attack resulted in a fire and explosion in the main engine room, killing one Indian crew member,” the statement added.The incident comes as Iran continues its retaliatory campaign across the Gulf following its recent military escalation in the region. Further details on the condition of the other crew members or the extent of damage to the vessel were not immediately known.
