Indian Sailor Killed in Missile Strike Near Hormuz as Gulf Tensions Escalate

Dubai: A reported missile attack near the Strait of Hormuz has heightened tensions in the Gulf region, with an Indian sailor losing his life and six other Indian crew members among the injured after two UAE oil tankers were struck.

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According to the reported details, the two tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiya, were sailing through Omani waters along the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz when they came under attack. The strike caused major fires and significant damage to both vessels. Emergency response teams later brought the fires under control.

تعلن وزارة الدفاع عن تعرض الناقلتين الوطنيتين (ممباسا) و (الباهية) للاستهداف بصاروخين جوالين إيرانيين في الممر الجنوبي لمضيق هرمز بالمياه الإقليمية العمانية.

وقد أسفر الاستهداف عن مقتل أحد أفراد طاقم الناقلة (ممباسا) من الجنسية الهندية، وإصابة 8 من بينهم 4 إصابات بليغة. (6 من… pic.twitter.com/KVz3qDu6kf

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) July 13, 2026

The deceased Indian sailor was serving aboard the Mombasa tanker.

A total of eight crew members were reportedly injured in the incident, including six Indians and two Ukrainian nationals. Hospital authorities said four of the injured are in critical condition and are receiving medical treatment.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and Indian seafarers operating in the strategically important Gulf region.

According to the report, the UAE Ministry of Defence condemned the attack and described it as a violation of international law that threatens regional stability. The ministry also stated that the UAE reserves the right to take appropriate measures to safeguard its sovereignty and national security.

In a separate maritime incident, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that another vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile about 40 nautical miles northeast of the Port of Khasab in Oman. While the ship’s engine room sustained damage, no casualties were reported. Authorities have not officially confirmed who was responsible for that strike.

The developments come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. According to the report, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for stricter military measures around the Strait of Hormuz and proposed a security fee for certain oil shipments transiting the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas trade, and any disruption in the region could have significant implications for global energy markets and fuel prices.