Indian Engineer Killed In “Suicide Boat” Attack On Oil Tanker Near Basra

BASRA / MUMBAI — Tragedy struck the Indian maritime community on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, as Deonandan Prasad Singh, an Additional Chief Engineer, was killed following a targeted attack on a fuel tanker in Iraqi waters. The incident occurred near the Khor Al Zubair Port in Basra, marking a lethal escalation in the maritime “shadow war” currently paralyzing the Persian Gulf.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) confirmed the death of Singh, a seasoned mariner and resident of Mumbai, following a “kamikaze” style strike on the MT Safesea Vishnu.

1. The Attack: A “White Speedboat” Strike

The Marshall Island-flagged tanker was engaged in a ship-to-ship (STS) cargo loading operation, carrying approximately 48,000 metric tonnes of naphtha, when the attack occurred.

• The Weapon: Preliminary reports describe a white-coloured unmanned speedboat laden with explosives. The autonomous craft rammed the vessel on the starboard side at high speed.
• The Impact: The collision triggered a massive explosion and a major fire. Given the highly flammable nature of the naphtha cargo, the crew was forced to execute an immediate “abandon ship” maneuver.
• The Rescue: 27 crew members—comprising 15 Indians and 12 Filipinos—leapt into the water and were rescued by a nearby tugboat before being evacuated to a small island near Basra by the Iraqi Coast Guard.

2. Tribute to a Veteran Mariner

Deonandan Prasad Singh (mid-50s) was a highly respected engineer with a career spanning decades at top firms including the Shipping Corporation of India and Bernhard Schulte Ship Management.

• Personal Loss: A native of Bihar living in Kandivali, Mumbai, Singh is survived by his wife and two children. His brother-in-law, Dr. Chandan Kumar, stated the family is in “deep shock” and is awaiting official communication from the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Repatriation: The Indian Embassy in Baghdad is currently coordinating with Iraqi authorities to facilitate the repatriation of Singh’s remains and ensure the safe return of the other 15 Indian nationals.

3. Strategic Context: The Siege of Basra

The attack on the MT Safesea Vishnu is part of a broader Iranian strategy to cripple oil exports from Iraq following the U.S.-led strikes in Tehran.

• Port Shutdown: This specific attack contributed to the “total halt” of operations at Iraqi oil terminals reported earlier on Thursday.
• The “Drone Boat” Threat: The use of low-cost, explosive-laden speedboats mirrors the autonomous drone strategy used to damage undersea cables and data centers in the region, making traditional naval protection increasingly difficult.

Incident Report: MT Safesea Vishnu Attack