Two Indian sailors were killed after an oil tanker came under missile attack in the Gulf of Oman amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The victims have been identified as Captain Ashis Kumar from Bihar and crew member Dalip Singh from Rajasthan.
The incident involved the oil tanker 'Skylight', which was reportedly struck near the coast of Oman. Media reports on Thursday confirmed the deaths of the two Indians following the attack.
Bodies found after search operation
Ashis Kumar and Dalip Singh had been missing since the attack. According to government sources, a rescue team later recovered two burnt skeletons from the damaged vessel, which were believed to be the remains of the missing sailors.
Sources said Dalip Singh had joined duty on the tanker on January 22 this year. The families of both victims received the tragic news through an official email on Wednesday night.
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A total of 20 people were on board the ship at the time of the attack. Among them, 15 were Indian nationals. The tanker had previously come under sanctions imposed by the United States last year.
Tensions rise around Strait of Hormuz
The attack comes at a time of rising tensions in the region. Iran had recently warned that it would destroy ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict. The strait is one of the world's most critical routes for global oil exports, drawing international attention to security in the area.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard reportedly announced that vessels attempting to pass through the route could be targeted and burned.
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Following the incident, the Oman Coast Guard rescued 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian citizens from nearby ships and moved them to safe locations.
The deaths of the two Indians have raised concerns about the safety of Indian sailors working on international vessels in the region.
Sources in New Delhi said efforts are underway to bring the rescued Indian crew members back to the country. The Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation as tensions continue across West Asia.
