Missing Indian Sailor Confirmed Dead After Container Ship Hit By Projectile In Strait Of Hormuz

An Indian marine engineer who went missing after the container vessel MV GFS Galaxy was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz has been confirmed dead, his family said on Tuesday.

Heramb Karmarkar, who was serving as the third engineer on the Cyprus-flagged container ship, was the only crew member who could not be located after the vessel was hit by a projectile near Omani waters early Sunday.

The ship was carrying 24 crew members, including 11 Indians, when the attack took place at around 3:30 a.m. IST.

According to shipping authorities, the projectile struck the engine room, causing a fire and damaging the ship’s propulsion system.

The crew managed to anchor the vessel before evacuating into lifeboats. The Royal Navy of Oman rescued 23 crew members within about two hours, but Karmarkar remained missing.

His family confirmed on Tuesday that they had been informed about his death. His body has been recovered and is currently with the Oman Navy, according to his relatives.

Vivek Tandon, another family member, said the company informed them about Karmarkar’s death on Tuesday afternoon. He added that the body would be handed over after postmortem and other procedures before being brought back to Pune.

Karmarkar’s last communication with his family was at 2:49 a.m. IST on Sunday, shortly before the attack. He had informed them that the vessel had safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz. His family said he had been at sea for more than three months and was expected to return home after completing his contract.

The attack took place amid rising tensions in West Asia, with recent incidents involving commercial vessels increasing concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is a major shipping route that handles nearly one-fifth of global oil trade, making the safety of vessels passing through the waterway important for global energy supplies and international shipping.

Following the attack, maritime authorities reported that the vessel suffered serious damage to its engine room and caught fire, leaving it unable to continue its journey.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces launched a third round of strikes against Iran after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked the MV GFS Galaxy, which was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said a civilian crew member was missing and the vessel could not continue its voyage due to the fire and engine room damage.

India has strongly condemned the attack on commercial shipping.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and lodged a formal protest.

In its statement, the ministry said it “strongly condemns these attacks targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz.”

The MEA also expressed concern over renewed attacks and the escalation of tensions in West Asia, calling for an immediate end to violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.

The ministry said attacks on commercial ships and civilian infrastructure must stop so that navigation and trade through international waterways can continue safely in accordance with international law. It also said Indian missions in the region were working with local authorities to assist affected Indian seafarers.

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) criticised the delay in providing updates on Karmarkar’s condition. The union said his family did not receive any information about his whereabouts for more than 32 hours, causing them significant distress.

Authorities are now completing the required formalities to bring Karmarkar’s body back to India.

References: timesnownews, news18