The Gujarat-linked dhow allegedly came under fire during an exchange involving Iranian and US naval forces, causing severe damage to the vessel.
BY PC Bureau
May 10, 2026: An Indian sailor from Gujarat was killed and several others injured after a traditional wooden cargo dhow sank in the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly after being caught in crossfire during heightened naval tensions between Iranian and US forces in the region.
The vessel, identified as MSV Al Faiz Noore Soleimani-I (also referred to as Al Faize Noore Sulemani 1), was a Gujarat-linked wooden dhow carrying 18 Indian crew members, including one armed security guard. The dhow had departed Dubai on May 7 carrying general cargo bound for Yemen’s port city of Mukalla.
According to maritime sources and the Indian Sailing Vessels Association, the incident took place around 1 a.m. local time on May 8 while the vessel was passing through the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
Officials said the dhow reportedly came under fire during an exchange involving Iranian and US naval forces operating in the area amid escalating regional tensions. The vessel suffered severe damage, caught fire, began taking on water, and eventually capsized before sinking.
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The deceased sailor has been identified as Altaf Talab Ker, an engine driver from Salaya village in Gujarat’s Devbhoomi Dwarka district. He was reportedly inside the engine room when the attack occurred and sustained fatal injuries.
Four to five other crew members suffered injuries, including burn wounds, while the remaining sailors managed to escape before the dhow went down. All surviving crew members were later rescued by another vessel, MSV Prem Sagar-I, and transported to Dubai, where the injured are undergoing treatment. Officials said their condition is currently stable.
Adam Bhai, General Secretary of the Indian Sailing Vessels Association, confirmed the incident and said the organisation is coordinating with Indian diplomatic authorities in the UAE. Assistance has been sought from the Indian Embassy and Consulate in Dubai for postmortem procedures, issuance of the death certificate, funeral arrangements, and repatriation of the crew.
Shipping authorities are also monitoring the case, although independent verification regarding the exact sequence of events — including whether the vessel was directly hit during naval crossfire — is still ongoing.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the growing risks faced by Indian seafarers operating in conflict-prone waters of West Asia. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil and cargo movement, but escalating military tensions in 2026 have sharply increased dangers for commercial and traditional vessels navigating the region.
Traditional wooden dhows operated by Gujarat-based maritime communities have long been involved in trade routes connecting the Gulf, East Africa, and Yemen. Many sailors from coastal towns such as Salaya, Mandvi, and Okha depend on this trade for their livelihood.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Gujarat’s seafaring communities, with families mourning the loss and demanding stronger safety measures and diplomatic intervention to protect Indian sailors working in volatile maritime zones.
Indian authorities are expected to remain in contact with UAE officials and maritime agencies as investigations into the sinking continue.
