US Blockade Leaves 35-Year-Old Indian Seafarer Dead as Strikes Disable 2 Indian-Crewed Vessels
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 16
US Blockade Leaves 35-Year-Old Indian Seafarer Dead as Strikes Disable 2 Indian-Crewed Vessels
3 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 16
Summary
A 35-year-old Indian seafarer died off Oman last Thursday after a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz prevented medical evacuation from his vessel.
A viral video showing crew members using cold water bottles to slow decomposition intensified outrage in India, where the death has become a symbol of sailors stranded by the Gulf conflict.
That same week, US strikes disabled two more Indian-crewed vessels, though all aboard survived, widening concern over the safety of Indian mariners in the waterway.
Marco Rubio rejected India’s protests and warned ships not to defy US Navy “orders,” sharpening questions over how New Delhi can respond as about 18,000 Indian sailors remain across the Gulf region.
Why are thousands of sailors still trapped in the Persian Gulf despite a new U.S.-Iran peace deal?
Will a $12 billion dispute over frozen assets sink the deal to reopen the world's most critical oil chokepoint?
How will the Hormuz blockade permanently alter global energy supplies and drive up worldwide inflation?
2026 Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Impact on Indian Seafarers, Global Shipping, and Maritime Security
Overview
The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz escalated in mid-June 2026 after an attack on the vessel Settebello led to the deaths of three Indian seafarers, prompting strong condemnation and calls for de-escalation from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. This tragedy, along with another incident where all 20 Indian crew members were rescued from the damaged MT Jalveer, intensified diplomatic efforts between India and the US. The events highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation to protect seafarers, as India pushed for immediate action to restore peace and ensure the safety of its nationals amid ongoing maritime threats.