Mumbai: A Harrowing Tale of Survival
After the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US erupted on February 28, 2026, two Indian seafarers, Abdul Rehman Mandal and Vikram Ghosh, found themselves in a nightmare. They were working on the ‘Sky Light’ ship in the Gulf region when tragedy struck.
On the morning of March 1, as they approached Khasab Port in Oman, their ship was hit by a missile or drone. “I woke up to a massive explosion around 6:45 AM,” Abdul recalled. “There was smoke everywhere, and chaos followed. People were scrambling to escape.”
As they tried to make sense of the situation, Abdul noticed the ship’s captain, Ashish Kumar, and another crew member, Dalip Singh, were missing. “We shouted for them, but there was no answer,” he said.
At that time, there were ten Indian and twelve Iranian crew members aboard. The Iranian workers were onboard to clean the oil tanks. “We saw another ship nearby, but it didn’t come closer until we explained that our oil tanks were empty,” Abdul explained. They eventually managed to board the other vessel with life jackets and ropes, escaping just in time. Tragically, Kumar and Singh were later confirmed dead.
Once rescued, they reached Khasab Port for medical attention before returning to India on March 18. Ghosh shared the fear that consumed them during their time in Oman. “Every noise felt threatening; we lived in constant anxiety,” he said. Thanks to the Indian government, they were issued ‘White Cards’ to facilitate their return, as they had no personal belongings or documents.
Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India, highlighted a broader issue. He mentioned that around 650 Indian crew members are currently on 22 vessels in Iran and nearby waters. Furthermore, about 23,000 Indians work on foreign-flagged ships. Yadav urged the government to ensure their safe return, citing ongoing communication with the authorities.
Overall, the experience left both men traumatized but relieved to be home. “We can finally sleep peacefully,” Abdul said, summing up their shared ordeal. The safety of seafarers remains a pressing concern amid rising tensions in the region.
As conflicts evolve, the situation for those at sea becomes increasingly precarious. It’s vital for governments to maintain open communication and devise strategies to protect maritime workers wherever they may be.
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WEST ASIA CRISIS, IRAN ISRAEL USA WAR, INDIAN SAILORS, GULF, INDIAN SEAFARERS, GULF HORROR | 2 INDIAN SEAFARERS RESCUED FROM SKY LIGHT SHIP ATTACK RECOUNT ORDEAL
