Dubai/New Delhi, May 9 (IANS): One Indian seafarer was killed and four others sustained burn injuries after a wooden dhow carrying 18 Indian crew members caught fire and capsized near the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz on Friday, official sources confirmed on Saturday. The vessel was transporting general cargo when the fire broke out, though authorities are still working to determine the exact cause of the blaze. The remaining crew members were rescued by a passing vessel, with the four injured sailors currently receiving medical treatment in Dubai and reported to be in a stable condition. Officials from the Indian Consulate in Dubai met the rescued crew members on Friday night and are coordinating with the dhow owner to extend all possible support and assistance to the crew and their families. The Consulate General of India in Dubai also expressed its grief over the loss, stating its deepest condolences and confirming it would render all possible assistance on a priority basis.
The incident unfolds against a backdrop of rapidly deteriorating security conditions in West Asia and growing threats to commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit corridors. Tensions in the region have escalated sharply following joint US-Israel strikes on Tehran on February 28, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, prompting Iran to launch retaliatory attacks on Israel and US military bases across Gulf nations. The resulting hostilities have led to disruptions and blockades around the Strait of Hormuz, significantly increasing risks for commercial vessels operating in the area, with reports of heightened drone activity further compounding security concerns. This latest tragedy adds to a growing list of incidents involving threats to Indian crew members in the region, raising urgent questions about the safety of maritime operations in one of the world’s most volatile shipping lanes.