Rajasthan Seafarer Killed in Attack on Oil Tanker Near Oman Amid Regional Tensions
JAIPUR — A 24-year-old merchant navy crew member from Rajasthan was killed after an oil and chemical tanker was attacked near Oman amid rising tensions in the Middle East linked to the Iran-Israel conflict.
Dalip Singh, a resident of Nagaur district’s Khinwatana village, died when the commercial vessel MV Skylight was struck while anchored off the coast near Khasab Port, close to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to officials and the shipping company operating the vessel.
Singh, the son of K. Singh, had joined the Merchant Navy earlier this year on Jan. 22 and was serving as a crew member on the Palau-flagged tanker.
Family members said they last spoke with him on Feb. 28, when everything appeared normal. The attack occurred on the morning of March 1.
According to relatives, Singh had taken the job to help improve his family’s financial situation and had recently replaced another crew member after a shift change shortly before the attack.
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said the vessel was hit either by a missile reportedly fired from Iran or by an explosive-laden drone boat.
The projectile struck the bow section of the ship, where Singh was believed to be on duty, triggering a powerful explosion and fire that caused severe damage to the vessel.
The body of the ship’s captain, Ashish, a resident of Bihar, has been recovered. Singh was initially reported missing as search operations continued, but later confirmation indicated he had also died in the attack.
The shipping company said the vessel carried a crew of 20 people — including 15 Indians and five Iranians — at the time of the strike. Most of the crew members were rescued during emergency operations, though three were initially reported missing.
Authorities have since confirmed the deaths of two crew members, including Singh.
The incident occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes.
The region has become increasingly volatile amid escalating hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with security analysts suggesting the strike may be linked to the broader conflict in the Gulf.
News of Singh’s death has brought grief to his village in Nagaur district, where residents described him as the sole earning member of his family who had only recently begun his maritime career.
Villagers and relatives have urged the Indian government to provide support to the family and strengthen safety measures for Indian seafarers working in conflict-prone maritime regions. (Source: IANS)
