An Indian merchant navy officer, Heramb Karmarkar, has been confirmed dead after a commercial cargo vessel came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz near Omani waters. The tragic incident has intensified concerns over the safety of international shipping routes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Following the attack, the Government of India lodged a strong diplomatic protest and reiterated that attacks on civilian commercial vessels must stop immediately.
Pune Marine Engineer Confirmed Dead
Heramb Karmarkar, a third engineer aboard the cargo vessel MV GFS Galaxy, had initially gone missing after the ship was struck by a projectile near the Strait of Hormuz. After several days of uncertainty, authorities informed his family that he had died during the attack. He was the only crew member who remained unaccounted for after the vessel was evacuated.
Ship Attacked Near Strait of Hormuz
According to official reports, the Cyprus-flagged cargo vessel MV GFS Galaxy was sailing close to Omani territorial waters when it came under attack. The projectile reportedly struck the vessel, causing severe damage and forcing crew members to abandon ship.
Most crew members were rescued safely, but Heramb Karmarkar went missing during the emergency evacuation before his death was later confirmed.
India Condemns Attack on Commercial Shipping
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the attack, calling for an immediate end to violence against civilian merchant vessels. India also summoned senior Iranian diplomatic officials and registered a formal protest over recent attacks affecting commercial shipping carrying Indian nationals. The government emphasized that freedom and safety of international maritime navigation must be protected.
Family Receives Tragic Confirmation
According to family members, Heramb had communicated with relatives shortly before the attack, assuring them that the vessel had safely crossed a critical section of the Strait of Hormuz. His death has left the family devastated, bringing an end to days of hope and rescue efforts.
Rising Risks in the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime trade routes, through which a significant portion of global crude oil shipments pass.
Recent attacks on merchant vessels have raised international concerns over:
- Safety of civilian shipping
- Security of merchant sailors
- Global energy supply routes
- Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
Shipping companies continue to monitor the situation closely as naval security measures are strengthened across the region.
India Extends Support to Seafarers
Indian authorities have assured full assistance to affected crew members and their families. The government is coordinating with Indian missions abroad, shipping companies, and local authorities to support Indian nationals working in international waters.
Officials also reiterated India’s commitment to safeguarding its merchant navy personnel serving across global shipping routes.
Conclusion
The death of Indian marine engineer Heramb Karmarkar following the attack on MV GFS Galaxy marks another tragic consequence of escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. As India strongly condemns attacks on commercial shipping and seeks accountability through diplomatic channels, the incident highlights the growing risks faced by merchant sailors navigating one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
Watch Latest News Videos on KRH News: Click Her