A WhatsApp Message, Then Silence: Pune Marine Engineer Killed in Iran Attack

A Pune-based marine engineer was killed in an Iranian military attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, shortly after sending a WhatsApp message to his family saying his ship had safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz.

The deceased, Herambh Karmarkar, was on board the Cyprus-flagged merchant vessel GFX Galaxy when it came under attack. His death marks the second Indian fatality in attacks on commercial ships in the region within a week.

Last Message Brings Heartbreak

According to his family, Heramb’s final message informed them that the vessel had crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely.

Before they could respond to the message, they received news of his death. His family officially confirmed his death on Wednesday.

Heramb’s father-in-law has appealed to the Indian government to ensure that his mortal remains are brought back to India at the earliest.

Indian Sailors Rescued

The Ministry of External Affairs said several Indian sailors were on board the vessel at the time of the attack.

Rescue operations led to the safe evacuation of 10 Indian crew members, while one Indian sailor remains missing.

The Indian Embassy in Oman said it is in constant contact with the Omani authorities and the ship’s management company to provide assistance to the affected crew and their families.

India Lodges Protest

Following the attack, India expressed deep concern over the targeting of commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iran’s Deputy Ambassador in New Delhi and conveyed India’s strong protest over the incident.

Tuesday’s attacks on two commercial vessels in the region have resulted in the deaths of two Indian sailors, raising fresh concerns over the safety of merchant shipping in the area.