Dubai: An Indian wooden cargo dhow carrying 18 Indian crew members capsized near the Strait of Hormuz after catching fire, leaving one sailor dead and four others injured.
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the region linked to ongoing hostilities involving Iran and the United States near the crucial maritime corridor.
According to government sources, all crew members on board were rescued by a passing vessel after the fire broke out on the dhow carrying general cargo.
One Indian sailor killed in incident
Officials confirmed that one Indian national lost his life in the accident while four others sustained burn injuries.
“The injured are receiving medical treatment in Dubai and are safe,” a Government of India source said.
Authorities stated that the exact cause of the fire is still being investigated.
The dhow reportedly caught fire before eventually capsizing near the strategic shipping route, which handles a major share of the world’s oil transportation.
Indian Consulate extends assistance
The Consulate General of India Dubai said its officials immediately met the rescued Indian nationals after the incident.
The mission also confirmed that it is coordinating with the dhow owner and extending all possible assistance to the affected crew members.
“In the unfortunate fire incident on board an Indian wooden dhow at sea, one Indian crew member died and four were injured. They were rescued by a vessel passing by,” the Indian Mission in Dubai posted on X.
The consulate added that medical support and other necessary assistance are being provided to the injured sailors currently undergoing treatment in Dubai.
Incident raises concern amid regional tensions
The accident occurred at a time of increased geopolitical tension in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages.
The route connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is considered vital for global energy trade, with a large portion of international crude oil shipments passing through the corridor.
Maritime traffic in the region has reportedly faced disruptions and heightened security concerns following tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Shipping companies and maritime agencies have remained on alert because of fears over possible attacks, disruptions and security incidents in the area.
Cause of fire under investigation
Officials have not yet confirmed whether the blaze was linked to any external factors or operational issues on board the vessel.
Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident to determine the exact circumstances that led to the fire and capsizing.
The condition of the injured sailors is reported to be stable.
The identities of the deceased and injured crew members have not yet been officially released.
Strait of Hormuz remains critical global route
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s busiest and most sensitive maritime routes due to its importance in international oil and trade movement.
Any disruption in the area often impacts global shipping operations and energy markets.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by cargo vessels and sailors operating through the region during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
Indian authorities are continuing to monitor the situation while extending support to the affected crew members and their families.