Indian sailor killed after dhow catches fire near Strait of Hormuz
An Indian sailor was killed and 4 others suffered burn injuries after a wooden dhow carrying general cargo caught fire near the Strait of Hormuz, government sources.
According to officials, the incident took place on Friday when the dhow, carrying 18 Indian crew members, caught fire and later capsized near the strategic maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Seventeen Indian crew members were rescued safely by a passing vessel operating in the area, sources said.
“In this incident, one Indian on the dhow died while four received burn injuries. The injured are receiving medical treatment in Dubai and are safe,” a government source said.
Authorities said the exact cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Officials from the Indian Consulate in Dubai met the rescued crew members on Friday night and are extending all possible assistance to them.
Sources added that the consulate is also in contact with the dhow owner regarding further arrangements and support for the affected crew.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions and increasing hostilities between Iran and the United States in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes through which a significant share of global crude oil supplies passes.
