On May 14, 2026, the Indian cargo ship MSV Haji Ali, registered in Gujarat, sank near the coast of Oman following an explosion believed to be caused by a drone or missile strike. The incident occurred while the vessel was transporting livestock from Berbera Port in Somalia to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The attack happened around 3:30 a.m., triggering a significant fire onboard and ultimately leading to the ship's sinking. Fortunately, all 14 crew members were rescued by the Oman Coast Guard and taken safely to Diba Port, with no reported fatalities among the crew.

India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the attack, emphasizing that targeting commercial shipping and endangering civilian mariners is unacceptable. They acknowledged the Omani authorities for their prompt response in rescuing the crew.

Initial assessments by maritime security firms suggest that the explosion was related to heightened geopolitical tensions in the area, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. The sinking of the Haji Ali adds to the concerns regarding maritime security in the Gulf, where disruptions have become increasingly common amid ongoing conflicts in the region.

The Indian government is reportedly urging international maritime security organizations to ensure the safety of Indian vessels operating in potentially dangerous waters, especially as tensions continue to rise between Iran and Western nations. The situation underscores the complexities of navigating commercial shipping routes in a region fraught with geopolitical challenges.