Oil tanker attacked by unmanned boat off Omani coast, one crew member killed

MUSCAT, March 2 (KUNA) -- The oil tanker (MKD VYOM) flying the flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands was attacked on Monday by an unmanned boat approximately 52 nautical miles off the Omani coast.
Oman News Agency reported that the tanker was carrying around 59463 metric tons of cargo whereas the attack resulted in a fire and an explosion in the main engine room leading to the death of one crew member of Indian nationality.
The vessel's crew consisting of 21 members were evacuated in coordination with the Maritime Security Center, it added.
The crew included 16 Indian nationals, four Bangladeshi nationals and one Ukrainian national.
As for the evacuation, Oman News Agency said it was carried out by the commercial vessel (MV SAND) flying the flag of the Republic of Panama. (end) mao