In a tragic escalation of tensions in West Asia, a 24-year-old man from Rajasthan’s Nagaur district has lost his life in a missile strike on a tanker near Oman’s Khassab port. Dalip Singh, who had just joined the merchant navy last month, was on duty aboard the MV Skylight when the attack occurred on March 1.
The shipping company confirmed the incident on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through his village of Khinwatana. Dalip, the sole breadwinner of his family, had taken up the job to improve their financial situation. He had joined the Palau-flagged oil and chemical tanker as a crew member on January 22.
Family members recall speaking to him on February 28, when everything seemed normal. Tragedy struck the next morning as the vessel was anchored near the Strait of Hormuz. According to Oman’s Maritime Security Center, the ship was hit either by an Iranian missile or an explosive-laden drone boat.
The projectile slammed into the bow, where Dalip was stationed after swapping shifts with another crew member. A massive explosion and fire ensued, causing severe damage to the vessel. While most of the 20 crew members—15 Indians and 5 Iranians—were rescued, three were initially missing. Captain Ashish from Bihar’s body has been recovered, and Dalip’s death has now been confirmed, marking two fatalities.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil passes, has become a flashpoint amid rising Iran-Israel-US tensions. Security experts link the attack to broader Gulf instability. Back in Khinwatana, the community mourns the young man’s loss, urging the Indian government to aid the family and ensure safety for Indian seafarers in conflict zones.
Dalip’s story underscores the perils faced by Indian mariners in volatile waters, prompting calls for enhanced protections and swift assistance for affected families.