Family confirms death of Pune marine engineer as India continues efforts to repatriate his remains following the attack on a commercial vessel.
The Indian sailor who went missing after a commercial vessel came under attack off the coast of Oman has been confirmed dead, bringing a tragic end to days of uncertainty for his family and colleagues.
Heramb Karmarkar, a 30-year-old marine engineer from Pune, Maharashtra, was among 11 Indian crew members aboard the merchant vessel GFS Galaxy when it was struck near Omani waters earlier this week. While ten Indian crew members were rescued, Karmarkar had remained unaccounted for despite search efforts.
His death was confirmed by a family member and representatives of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India after his body was recovered. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has also confirmed the development and is coordinating with local authorities and the ship’s management to facilitate the repatriation of his mortal remains to India.
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Karmarkar’s family has appealed to the Indian government to expedite the return of his body so that the final rites can be performed
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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which had earlier condemned the attack on the commercial vessel, said it remained in close contact with Omani authorities and was extending all necessary assistance to the affected crew members and their families
The attack occurred amid heightened security concerns in the Gulf region, where commercial shipping has increasingly come under threat due to escalating regional tensions. India has repeatedly called for the safety of civilian shipping and urged all parties to respect international maritime law and ensure the security of seafarers navigating one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by thousands of Indian seafarers serving aboard international merchant vessels in conflict-prone waters.
