'Informed Us He Had Crossed Hormuz Safely': Family Confirms Death Of Indian Sailor In Vessel Attack

Last Updated:July 15, 2026, 09:01 IST

Heramb Karmarkar, who is believed to have been working near the engine room at the time of the impact, was the only sailor who could not be accounted for.

Heramb Karmarkar, the third engineer aboard the container vessel MV GFS Galaxy who went missing after the ship was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, has been confirmed dead, bringing a tragic end to a frantic search operation, his family said on Tuesday.

Karmarkar was among the 24 crew members on board the cargo vessel, including 11 Indian nationals, when it came under attack by Iran in Omani waters at around 3.30 am IST. According to information shared by shipping authorities, the projectile hit the vessel’s engine room, triggering a fire that knocked out the ship’s propulsion system.

The crew managed to anchor the vessel before abandoning ship in lifeboats. Within about two hours, the Royal Navy of Oman rescued 23 crew members. Karmarkar, who is believed to have been working near the engine room at the time of the impact, was the only sailor who could not be accounted for.

His last contact with his family came at 2.49 am IST on Sunday, when he informed them that the vessel had safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Karmarkar had been at sea for more than three months and was expected to return home to India after completing his tour.

The incident comes amid escalating hostilities in West Asia, where attacks on commercial shipping have intensified in recent weeks. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints, handles nearly a fifth of global oil trade, making any disruption in the region a matter of international concern.

India has strongly condemned the attacks targeting merchant vessels in the strategic waterway. Following the latest incidents, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and lodged a formal protest.

In a statement, the MEA said it “strongly condemns these attacks targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz." It also expressed “deep concern on account of the resumption of attacks and escalation of hostilities in the West Asian region" and called for an “immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue and diplomacy in the interests of peace, security and stability in the region."

The ministry further stressed that “the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must cease" so that “free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways, in keeping with international law, can be restored at the earliest." It said Indian missions in the region were coordinating with local authorities to provide all possible assistance to affected Indian seafarers.

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Pragati Ratti

Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com. Having headed the Business and Viral sections, Pragati now ideates, writes and edits long-form features and articles on national and global affairs. She ensures...Read More

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