Eight Indian seafarers, who survived a missile attack on the oil tanker Sky Light near Oman’s Khasab port on March 1, are now stranded abroad. The attack, linked to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, resulted in the death of the vessel’s captain, Ashish Kumar, and left another crew member, Dalip Singh, missing. The survivors lost their passports, visas, and other identity documents in the fire that ensued, rendering them unable to return home. They have been staying in a guest room at Khasab Airport, awaiting emergency travel documents to facilitate their departure.
The crew member, who spoke anonymously, recounted the traumatic experience, stating that the fire destroyed most of their personal belongings, including cash and electronics. With only three mobile phones among them, many are unable to contact their families, heightening their anxiety. The attack occurred swiftly; the first missile hit the vessel at 7:05 AM, followed by a second strike just 15 seconds later, causing chaos as crew members attempted to escape.
Efforts are underway to secure travel documents for the eight seafarers. Officials from the Directorate General of Shipping in Mumbai reported that over 100 Indian seafarers have returned from the Persian Gulf since the incident. While six of the eight crew members were recruited through a Lucknow-based agency, the remaining two are being assisted by another agency. The Indian Embassy in Oman is also involved, coordinating with local authorities to facilitate their return.
