Rajasthan Youth Dies in Tanker Attack Near Oman Amid Iran-Israel Tensions

Mumbai, March 5: A young man from Rajasthan has lost his life in an attack on a tanker near Oman amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. Twenty-four-year-old Dalip Singh from Nagaur district was killed in the assault on the MV Skylight vessel.

The shipping company confirmed the incident on Wednesday, causing widespread grief in his village, Khinwatana.

Dalip had joined the merchant navy on January 22 and was working as a crew member on an oil and chemical tanker registered under the Palau flag.

According to his family, he last spoke to them on February 28, and everything seemed normal. However, the attack on March 1 changed everything.

Dalip took the job to improve his family’s financial situation. Shortly before the attack, he had switched shifts with another crew member.

The incident occurred while the MV Skylight was anchored near the Strait of Hormuz, close to Oman’s coast.

According to Oman’s maritime security center, the vessel was either struck by a missile launched from Iran or a drone filled with explosives.

The projectile hit the bow of the ship, where Dalip was on duty, causing a massive explosion and fire that severely damaged the vessel.

The body of Captain Ashish, a resident of Bihar, has been recovered.

Initial searches for Dalip Singh’s body were conducted, but later, his death was confirmed.

At the time of the attack, there were 15 Indian and 5 Iranian crew members aboard the ship. Most were rescued during the emergency operation, but three were initially reported missing. Now, the deaths of two crew members have been confirmed.

The attack occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most crucial oil routes, through which nearly 20% of global oil supply passes.

The region has become increasingly unstable due to rising tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Security experts believe this attack may be linked to broader tensions in the Gulf region.

As news of Dalip Singh’s death reached Khinwatana village, the entire community mourned.

He was the sole breadwinner for his family and had recently embarked on a maritime career.

Villagers and family members have appealed to the central government for assistance and to ensure the safety of Indian sailors working in conflict-prone maritime areas.

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