Mumbai Marine Engineer Killed in Tanker Attack Near Iraq’s Basra Port

Mumbai: A tragic maritime incident has claimed the life of a Mumbai-based marine engineer after an oil tanker came under attack near the southern Iraqi port city of Basra.

The deceased, Deonandan Prasad Singh (54), was serving as an Additional Chief Engineer aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu when the vessel was reportedly targeted near Khor Al Zubair Port earlier this week.

The incident was confirmed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, which stated that one Indian crew member had died following the attack. Officials said Singh suffered severe injuries during the incident and later succumbed to them, despite rescue efforts.

According to maritime authorities, Singh was a resident of Kandivli and had more than 25 years of experience in marine engineering. Over the course of his career, he had served on multiple vessels and was regarded as a highly experienced professional in the maritime sector.

Officials from the Directorate General of Shipping said the attack occurred when the tanker was operating near Khor Al Zubair Port. Following the incident, crew members were forced to abandon the vessel and enter the water in an attempt to save themselves.

Rescue teams later evacuated the crew. The Iraqi Coast Guard successfully rescued all 28 crew members, including 16 Indians and 12 Filipinos, and transported them safely to Basra port.

Family members revealed that Singh had not been sailing regularly for several years and had shifted to a shore-based desk job. However, he reportedly returned to sea recently after being asked to join the vessel as part of contractual obligations.

According to relatives, Singh had boarded the ship in Iraq just days before tensions escalated in the region. Tragically, he lost his life less than two weeks after rejoining active sea duty.

Singh originally hailed from Rani Bamia village in Bhagalpur district of Bihar, though he had been residing in Mumbai with his family. He is survived by his son and daughter, while his son, who lives in the United States, is reportedly travelling to India following the news of his father’s death.

Family members also alleged that the tanker may have been targeted by a suicide vessel during regional hostilities, although authorities have not officially confirmed the exact cause of the attack.

Officials said maritime agencies and international authorities have been informed, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack is currently underway.

The tragic incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by Indian seafarers working on international shipping routes, particularly in regions affected by geopolitical tensions.