An Indian sailor was killed after a US-owned crude oil tanker came under attack near Basra in Iraq on Wednesday, amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region. The remaining 15 Indian crew members on board the vessel were safely evacuated and moved to a secure location, according to the Indian Embassy in Baghdad, reported news agency IANS.

The tanker, Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was reportedly targeted during an attack that involved underwater drones. Iranian authorities have claimed responsibility for the strike, which also damaged another oil tanker operating in the region, reported IANS.