Rajeev Sharma :- A Gujarat-based cargo vessel sank in the strategically crucial Hormuz Strait after reportedly being caught in crossfire during a naval confrontation between Iranian and American forces late Tuesday night. One Indian crew member lost his life in the incident, while 17 others were rescued safely.
The vessel, belonging to Salaya in Gujarat’s Dwarka district, was transporting general cargo from Dubai to Yemen’s Mukalla port. A total of 18 crew members, including an armed guard, were on board. The deceased has been identified as Altaf Talab Ker, who was working in the engine room at the time of the incident.
According to preliminary accounts, the vessel was passing through the Hormuz Strait around 1 am on May 7 when firing allegedly broke out between Iranian and US naval forces. The cargo ship was caught in the crossfire and sustained severe damage before sinking into the sea.
Crew members reportedly struggled to stay afloat before a nearby commercial vessel launched a rescue operation. All surviving crew members were later brought safely to Dubai port on the evening of May 8. The Indian embassy has initiated efforts to facilitate their return to India.
The Indian Sailing Vessels Association has urged authorities to strengthen security measures for Indian ships operating in international waters amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, regional tensions intensified further after the United Arab Emirates claimed that Iran launched two ballistic missiles and three drones towards its territory. The UAE Ministry of Defence stated that all incoming targets were intercepted mid-air, though three people were reportedly injured in the incident. Iran has not officially responded to the allegations.
The United States, on the other hand, said it carried out fresh airstrikes on Iranian military installations after its naval assets allegedly came under attack from missiles, drones and fast-moving boats operated by Iranian forces. US President Donald Trump warned that military action would continue if Iran failed to agree to a settlement.
Iran rejected the American claims and accused Washington of targeting civilian neighbourhoods instead of military positions. Tehran also alleged that US forces attacked Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, while Iranian forces reportedly targeted American naval ships near the Hormuz Strait and Chabahar port in retaliation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed US intelligence assessments claiming that Tehran’s missile reserves had been depleted. He asserted that Iran’s missile capabilities remained intact and said the country was fully prepared to defend itself against any aggression.
In another development, China confirmed that one of its oil tankers also came under attack in the Hormuz Strait. Beijing expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region and warned that increasing hostilities were affecting global maritime trade routes. China has also announced a hike in domestic fuel prices amid fears of prolonged instability in the Gulf.
