Iran Israel War: Dalip Singh, a resident of Khinwatana village in Nagaur district, died in a missile attack on a crude oil tanker in the Gulf region amid the Iran-Israel conflict. The full picture of the incident is now becoming clear. Oman's Maritime Security Center reported that the ship was about 5 nautical miles north of Khasab Port when the attack occurred. The attack was caused by a projectile or a drone boat (unmanned surface vessel). The ship caught fire and an explosion occurred in the engine room. There were a total of 20 crew members – 15 Indians, 5 Iranians. Four were injured, their injuries were reported as serious. Fortunately, everyone else was evacuated safely. Dalip Singh was in the engine room or forward section, where the impact was most severe. The death of an Indian crew member has been confirmed, and reports are linking Dalip's name to his. The company has informed the family of the deceased.
This attack appears to be part of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel (and now the US is also involved). In recent days, the US and Israel launched major attacks on Iran. In response, Iran intensified its attacks on shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil route – more than 20 percent of the world's crude oil passes through it. Following the attack, numerous tankers were stopped, some burned, and hundreds of ships were stranded. Insurance companies are canceling coverage, and oil prices are skyrocketing. But the greatest loss is human life. Thousands of Indian sailors like Dalip risk their lives to work abroad. They simply support their families, and have no involvement in politics.
Dalip Singh came from a humble family from Nagaur and had been working on crude oil company ships for years.
Captain Ashish Kumar from Bihar also died
Captain Ashish Kumar from Bihar is also reported to have died in the attack. He was the captain of the ship and was seriously injured in the incident. According to reports, he was also missing and has now been confirmed dead. This incident is believed to be part of Iran's increasing attacks on shipping in response to US-Israeli attacks. Such attacks have increased near the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large portion of global oil supplies pass.
Sadly, the MV Skylight was not the only such incident. On March 2, 2026, another tanker, the MKD Vyom, was attacked 52 nautical miles from Muscat. Another Indian sailor, Amrit Lal Solanki, lost his life in this attack. In this attack, an explosive-laden drone boat was used, which set the ship's engine room on fire.
Efforts are underway to ensure the safe return of the crew members.
The Embassy of India in Muscat, Oman, is currently grappling with a very difficult situation. Embassy officials are in constant contact with the Omani Navy and Maritime Security Centre. The biggest challenge in Dalip Singh's case is the recovery of his body. Conducting a search and rescue operation in a volatile region of the sea, where war clouds are looming, is fraught with danger. The Embassy has informed via social media (X - formerly Twitter) that they are also coordinating the safe repatriation of the remaining 15 Indian crew members. Residents of Dalip's village, Khinwatana, are demanding that the government not only retrieve the body but also provide adequate assistance to the family.
