Rough Seas, Engine Failure and a Tragic End for Two Sailors on Gujarat-Based Cargo Ship

Two Indian sailors were killed after a cargo vessel from Gujarat's Devbhumi Dwarka district sank off the coast of Oman following severe weather and rough sea conditions. Twelve other Indian crew members were rescued in a joint search and rescue operation, officials said.

The vessel, Mehboob-e-Bukhari (Registration No. BDI 1415), is based in Salaya in Devbhumi Dwarka district.

Vessel sank after both engines failed

According to available information, the cargo vessel departed Dubai on July 3 carrying general cargo and was bound for Djibouti.

While passing through waters near Oman, the vessel reportedly encountered rough seas and adverse weather. During the incident, both of its main engines allegedly failed, causing water to enter the vessel.

As the ship began sinking, the captain instructed all crew members to abandon the vessel and jump into the sea to save their lives.

Joint rescue operation saves 12 crew members

Following the distress call, Oman's Search and Rescue team, the Royal Navy of Oman, and two nearby Indian vessels — Al Haji Hassan and Safina Al Noore Ilahi — launched a coordinated rescue operation.

Twelve of the 14 Indian crew members on board were rescued safely.

However, two sailors drowned during the incident.

The rescued crew members and the bodies of the deceased were later brought to a fishing jetty near Duqm in Oman.

Shock in Salaya

News of the vessel's sinking has triggered grief in Salaya, a town known for its maritime community.

The Indian Sailing Vessels Association said it has approached the concerned authorities and the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies and the rescued crew members, besides assisting with the required documentation.

Adam Bhaya, Secretary of the Indian Sailing Vessels Association, said the necessary communication had been sent to the authorities seeking assistance.

Deceased sailors identified

The two deceased sailors have been identified as:

• Gandhar Yasin Noormamad
• Imran Ishak Bhaya

Further formalities are being completed before the bodies and the surviving crew members are brought back to India.