A veteran Indian marine engineer from Mumbai, Deonandan Prasad Singh, died from injuries sustained in a drone or explosive attack on the oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu near Iraq’s Khor Al Zubair port. He remains the only fatality among the 28 crew members, who abandoned the vessel and were rescued safely.
Details of the Deadly Attack
The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Officials confirm the tanker suffered severe damage from the blast, which injured several crew members. Singh, serving as additional chief engineer, received critical wounds and passed away during treatment.
The ministry issued a press release on March 12 verifying Singh’s death. The vessel was conducting cargo operations near Basra when targeted.
Background on Deonandan Prasad Singh
In his mid-50s, Singh boasted over two decades in the maritime industry, including nearly 25 years at sea on cargo ships and oil tankers. He had shifted to shore-based roles for more than seven years before resuming sailing duties.
Relatives claim the shipping company required him to rejoin the vessel just three days before hostilities intensified. “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 stated.
Rescue Operations and Crew Safety
After the strike, the crew jumped into the sea and were retrieved by an STS tug. Iraq’s Coast Guard then evacuated the 28 sailors—16 Indians and 12 Filipinos—to Basra port. Most escaped unharmed, spotlighting Singh’s tragic loss.
Broader Implications for Seafarers
Originally from Bihar and residing in Mumbai, Singh’s death has sparked grief among family, friends, and colleagues. Loved ones urge authorities to repatriate his remains and probe the incident for accountability.
The attack underscores escalating threats in the Persian Gulf, where drone and missile strikes endanger commercial shipping. Experts highlight risks to trade, rising insurance premiums, and seafarer safety. Indian agencies now intensify vessel monitoring in the Gulf, pushing for robust protocols, risk evaluations, and diplomatic efforts to shield nationals in volatile zones.
