Indian Sailor Killed in Iran-Attacked Cyprus-Flagged Ship Near Oman

The Cyprus‑flagged cargo vessel GFS Galaxy was struck by an "unknown identity projectile" on Sunday off the coast of Oman, killing 30‑year‑old Indian marine engineer Harabh Karmarkar. The ship, carrying a crew of 24 with 11 Indian nationals, was attacked while sailing near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran said the vessel was hit because it attempted to pass through a non‑approved route despite warnings. The United States’ president, Donald Trump, declared the sea lane remains open for all commercial ships except those belonging to Iran. India’s foreign ministry has not commented. Karmarkar’s death follows the killing of another Indian sailor in the same area two days earlier, prompting a protest from New Delhi to Tehran.

The incident heightens tensions over navigation rights in the strategically vital Hormuz Strait, where recent hostilities between Iran and the United States have resumed.