Indian cargo vessel MSV Haji Ali BDI 1492 sank off Oman after an explosion and fire during a Berbera-Sharjah livestock voyage with about 4,000 sheep and goats on board, according to the Indian Sailing Vessels Association.
All 14 Indian crew members — one tandel and 13 sailors — were rescued by the Oman Coast Guard and taken to Dibba port. No serious injuries were reported. The incident occurred at about 03:30 on 13 May near Limah, Oman. The vessel had left Berbera on 5 May bound for Sharjah.
The cause of the explosion has not been officially confirmed. Claims that the vessel may have been hit by a drone or missile have not been verified by any government, coast guard, police or maritime security authority.
Indian Sailing Vessels Association general secretary Adam Bhaya said the crew’s documents were safe. The association has asked the Indian government to help repatriate the seafarers.
MSV Haji Ali BDI 1492 is identified in available reports as an Indian sailing cargo vessel linked to Salaya in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district and operating in the Gulf-East Africa livestock trade.
The Indian Sailing Vessels Association is an industry body representing Indian traditional sailing vessel interests. The Oman Coast Guard is Oman’s coastguard authority, responsible for maritime search, rescue and coastal security operations.
