An Indian sailor has lost his life after an attack on the cargo vessel MV GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, confirmed the Indian Consulate in Dubai. This troubling incident occurred on Sunday, leading to the disappearance of one Indian crew member among the eleven aboard, while the other ten were successfully rescued. The vessel is registered under the flag of Cyprus.

According to reports, the remaining crew, all of whom are Indian nationals, were swiftly brought to safety. The Indian diplomatic mission is liaising with both the shipping company and UAE authorities to offer support to the bereaved family of the deceased sailor. The Indian government has condemned this attack, urging for an immediate reduction of tensions in the region that threaten commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure.

The sailor who lost his life has been identified as 30-year-old Herambh Karmarkar from Pune. At the time of the attack, he was serving as a third engineer on the cargo ship. Tragically, it was reported that Karmarkar’s body was discovered by Oman’s coast guard approximately 60 hours after he went missing.

Family and Background of the Deceased

The shipping company notified Karmarkar’s family on the evening of Tuesday, July 14, 2026, regarding the recovery of his body. His father-in-law, Vivek Tandon, provided further details, stating that Karmarkar had been aboard the MV GFS Galaxy for five months and was scheduled to sign off shortly. Tandon expressed sorrow over the untimely demise of Karmarkar, describing him as a devoted husband and a dedicated professional.

Karmarkar is survived by his wife, mother, and younger sister. Tandon elaborated on his educational background, mentioning that Karmarkar had completed his marine engineering degree at the City of Glasgow College in the UK prior to joining the merchant navy. He highlighted Karmarkar’s commitment to his career and family, which has been deeply affected by this incident.

The attack occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, prompting India to reiterate its call for de-escalation in the region. Following the death of Karmarkar, the Indian government has remained vigilant regarding the safety of its citizens working aboard foreign vessels.

Response from the Indian Government

The Consulate issued a statement on its official profile on X, expressing profound condolences regarding Karmarkar’s death due to the attack on the MV GFS Galaxy. The mission is actively engaging with the concerned UAE authorities and the shipping lines to ensure that the necessary support is extended to Karmarkar’s grieving family.

In light of this incident, the Indian government has been vocal about the need to address escalating threats to commercial shipping within international waters. Officials have taken note of the situation as India aims to protect its maritime interests while ensuring the safety of its seafarers.

Efforts are ongoing to facilitate the return of Karmarkar’s remains, which are currently being held by the Oman Navy. The Indian Consulate has assured Karmarkar’s family that all measures are being implemented to expedite this process during this challenging time for the family.

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