Dubai/Dwarka, May 9, 2026: An Indian seafarer, Altaf Talab Ker from Jam Salaya in Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat, was killed after the cargo vessel he was serving on came under crossfire while crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident occurred on May 7-8, 2026, when the vessel MSV Al Faize Noor Suleimani (also referred to as Al Faize Noore Sulemani-I), en route from Dubai to Mukalla port in Yemen with general cargo, was caught in exchanges of fire amid escalating tensions in West Asia. The ship, which had 18 crew members including a gunman on board, sustained heavy damage and began sinking. Altaf, who was working near the engine room, was fatally injured on the spot.
The remaining 17 crew members were safely rescued by another Indian sailing vessel, MSV Prem Sagar (or Prem Sagar-I), and brought back to Dubai on the evening of May 8.
The Indian Consulate General in Dubai is in close contact with the ship owner and has extended assistance to the affected crew and the deceased’s family. The Indian Sailing Vessels Association has also taken up the matter, urging authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the body, provide necessary documentation, and enhance security measures for Indian-flagged vessels operating in the region.
This tragic incident highlights the growing risks faced by Indian seafarers navigating critical maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil trade, as geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and other actors continue to intensify.
Further details regarding the exact circumstances of the crossfire and official responses from Indian authorities are awaited.
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