Indian sailor dies as dhow caught in Hormuz crossfire amid US-Iran tensions
Indian sailor dies as dhow caught in Hormuz crossfire amid US-Iran tensions
A Gujarat sailor dies and several crew members are injured after their dhow is hit in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating US-Iran clashes; survivors are being treated in Dubai.
A Gujarat sailor died when a wooden dhow, Al Faize Noore Sulemani 1, came under crossfire in the Strait of Hormuz early Friday, as tensions between the United States and Iran escalated. The vessel had a crew of 18 and had left Dubai on May 7, heading toward Mukkam in Yemen. Around 1 am on May 8, it was fired upon while navigating the narrow strait, a critical global shipping lane at the heart of the US-Iran standoff. Officials with the shipping directorate confirmed the incident and said they were providing assistance, though they offered no further details.
The deceased was Altaf Talab Ker, an engine driver from Salaya village in Dwarka district, Gujarat. The other crew members were rescued by the MSV Prem Sagar-I (BDI-1491) at about 7 am local time and reached Dubai Port by 6 pm on the same day. They are currently receiving treatment in a local hospital.
In a letter to officials, Adam Bhaya, general secretary of the Indian Sailing Vessels Association (Gujarat), described the incident as an unfortunate and violent exchange between US and Iranian forces. The shipping directorate has said it is coordinating support for the families and for the rescued crew as investigations continue.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints, and the crossfire comes amid heightened regional tensions. Authorities continue to assess the situation and provide updates for the families of those involved, as well as colleagues in the maritime community.
