Maritime company Safesea seeks probe into tanker hit that killed Indian crew member

New York: A global maritime company has called for an independent international investigation into an attack on one of its crude oil tankers last month that killed an Indian crew member, describing it as a threat to global shipping and trade stability.

Safesea Group Chairman Dr S V Anchan has sought a probe into the March 11 attack on MT Safesea Vishnu, saying that the “sequence of events indicates a highly coordinated and premeditated operation involving reconnaissance, precision execution, and apparent real-time monitoring, raising serious concerns for global shipping.” The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel was operating in Iraqi territorial waters when it was attacked off Khor Al Zubair port near Basra in Iraq, allegedly by an Iranian “suicide” boat.

Mumbai resident Deonandan Singh, 55, a senior crew member, was killed in the attack.

The tanker was anchored at Khor Al Zubair and was engaged in routine ship-to-ship loading operations. It had already completed part of its cargo operations alongside the berth and had shifted to anchorage to complete the loading of approximately 53,000 metric tons of naphtha.

In a statement to PTI, the company said that “unidentified high-speed boats were observed conducting repeated movements around anchored vessels a day prior, suggesting possible reconnaissance and target mapping".

"The subsequent use of unmanned explosive-laden craft points to a high degree of planning and operational capability,” it said.

Safesea said the matter warrants a “transparent international investigation, potentially under” the oversight of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the United Nations.

“This incident is a stark reminder that maritime security cannot be taken for granted. The safety of seafarers must remain paramount,” Anchan said.

The company emphasised that the attack extends beyond a single vessel, representing a direct threat to international shipping, seafarer safety, and global trade stability.

Safesea acknowledged the prompt response by Iraqi authorities in rescue and emergency handling but said the incident raises concerns over surveillance and response mechanisms within Iraqi waters, including the absence of preventive security measures despite unusual vessel movements.

“The apparent absence of pre-incident vigilance requires careful and transparent examination,” it said.

The company urged full disclosure of radar data, Automatic Identification System (AIS) records, and coastal surveillance inputs.

It also sought a comprehensive review of coastal security and vessel monitoring protocols, as well as the transparent sharing of findings with the global maritime community.

Safesea said the attack comes amid heightened regional tensions, where critical maritime corridors handle a significant share of global energy flows, amplifying concerns over crew safety, insurance costs, and operational risk.

Meanwhile, in a gesture of respect, Anchan flew on Tuesday on board the flight carrying the mortal remains of Singh to India, ensuring the final journey of the late crew member to his homeland is conducted with dignity and honour.

He will be joined by the Captain of the vessel and other senior officials in attending Singh’s last rites in his hometown, in accordance with the wishes of the family.

“At the heart of every shipping decision is not cargo or cost, but human life,” Anchan said.