New Delhi, May 09: An Indian sailor lost his life and four others sustained burn injuries after a wooden dhow caught fire and capsized near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, government sources confirmed.
The vessel was carrying 18 Indian crew members when the incident occurred close to the vital maritime chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Seventeen crew members were rescued by a passing ship operating in the area.
The injured sailors are currently receiving medical treatment in Dubai and are reported to be in stable condition. Officials from the Indian Consulate in Dubai met the rescued crew members and are coordinating assistance, including communication with the dhow’s owner.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.
The incident comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s crude oil supply passes.
Authorities are continuing efforts to ensure the safe repatriation and support of the affected Indian nationals.
