Indian crew member missing after GFS Galaxy attack off Oman's coast confirmed dead, family says

An Indian marine engineer who went missing after the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy was attacked off the coast of Oman has been confirmed dead, according to his family. His death comes amid escalating tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, making him the second Indian seafarer to lose his life in the region within three days.

Heramb Karmarkar, 30, was serving as a marine engineer aboard the GFS Galaxy when the vessel was attacked on Sunday. His father-in-law, Vivek Tandon, told Reuters that the company operating the ship had informed the family that Karmarkar had died.

Vessel was carrying 24 crew members

The Cyprus-flagged container ship had a crew of 24, including 11 Indians. According to Cypriot authorities, the vessel was struck by an "unidentified projectile".

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Iran later said it had targeted the ship after it attempted to pass through an unauthorised route despite warnings to alter its course.

Second Indian seafarer killed in three days

Karmarkar is the second Indian seafarer to lose his life in the region within three days.

Another Indian crew member was killed on Tuesday after two vessels were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Following Tuesday's incident, New Delhi lodged a strong protest with Iran and summoned its deputy ambassador.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement saying India’s Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and is coordinating with the Omani authorities. The ministry also thanked Oman for its support in the rescue operation.

“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman,” the MEA said.

The incident comes as tensions across the Gulf continue to escalate after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz "until further notice" following an attack on a commercial vessel. The move prompted another round of US strikes on Iranian targets, further raising concerns over regional security and the safety of one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.