Two Indian sailors are feared to have died after an oil tanker was attacked in the Gulf of Oman amid escalating tensions linked to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

According to media reports, the victims have been identified as Captain Ashish Kumar from Bihar and crew member Dalip Singh from Rajasthan. However, the claims have not been independently verified.

Tanker targeted near Oman coast

The incident involved the oil tanker Skylight, a vessel sailing under the flag of Palau.

Officials from Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said the tanker was targeted about five nautical miles north of Khasab Port near the Musandam Peninsula.

The ship reportedly had 20 crew members on board, including 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian seafarers.

Authorities confirmed that all crew members were evacuated after the attack.

The tanker had reportedly been included on a sanctions list issued by the United States Department of the Treasury in December 2025.

Bodies reportedly recovered from the vessel

According to reports, two bodies were recovered from the tanker, which had been severely damaged in the attack.

Sources said the remains of Captain Ashish Kumar were found inside the captain’s cabin.

Family members reportedly received confirmation of his death through an email message.

“Until yesterday we believed he was missing. Today the news of his death has devastated the family,” relatives were quoted as saying.

Dalip Singh, the second sailor reported dead, was from Khinwatana village in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district and had joined duty on the tanker on January 22.

Rising tensions in West Asia

The attack comes amid growing tensions in West Asia following threats related to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

Iranian officials have warned that the strategic waterway could be closed if hostilities escalate further.

The Strait of Hormuz connects major oil-producing countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates with global markets through the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Analysts say any disruption in this route could significantly affect global oil supply and shipping routes.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the attack as international maritime agencies monitor the situation in the region.