Indian cargo ship caught in US-Iran crossfire in Strait of Hormuz; 1 sailor killed, 17 rescued – What exactly happened

An Indian cargo vessel came under firing during the recent confrontation between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the death of an Indian crew member while 17 others were rescued safely.

According to reports, the sailor who lost his life was from Jam Salaya town in Gujarat’s Dwarka district. The vessel was travelling from Dubai to Yemen carrying cargo when it was caught in crossfire.

Indian crew member killed in crossfire

As reported by The Indian Express, the deceased sailor has been identified as Altaf Talab Ker. He was among the 18 crew members onboard the vessel ‘Al Faiz Noor Sulemani’ when the ship came under fire while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Ker reportedly died during the exchange of fire. The Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed the incident and expressed grief over the loss.

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In a post on X, the consulate said it was ‘deeply saddened’ by the tragic incident at sea that led to the death of an Indian crew member. The mission also stated that it was in contact with the vessel owner and gathering further details about the incident.

17 crew members rescued from sinking vessel

Indian Sailing Vessels Association General Secretary Adam Bhaya said the attack took place while the cargo ship was crossing the Strait of Hormuz. At the time of the firing, Altaf Ker was reportedly near the engine room.

The ship suffered major damage during the incident and started sinking. Bhaya said another vessel named ‘Prem Sagar’ reached the location and rescued the remaining 17 crew members.

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All rescued sailors were brought safely to Dubai on Friday evening.

Appeal for assistance from Indian mission

Bhaya has written to the Indian Consulate in Dubai seeking assistance following the incident. In his letter, he said the tragedy had created fear and sorrow among the sailing community and the family members of the deceased sailor.

He added that the death of an innocent Indian sailor under such circumstances was extremely unfortunate and required immediate attention from the concerned authorities.

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Bhaya also requested support from the Indian mission for the final rites of Altaf Ker. According to him, all crew members onboard the vessel were Indian nationals.

The deceased sailor, a resident of Jam Salaya in Dwarka district, had boarded the ship in Dubai on Wednesday before the attack took place.