2 Indian sailors confirmed dead after tanker strike near Strait of Hormuz

Vessel tracking service Kpler reported that some ships, mainly flying the flags of Iran and China, continued to pass through the strait

Two Indian sailors have been confirmed dead after the oil tanker SKYLIGHT was struck by an Iranian projectile near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, March 1, according to The Hindu, citing official sources.

The deceased have been identified as Captain Ashish Kumar from Bihar and crew member Dalip Singh from Rajasthan, reported NDTV.

Strait of Hormuz sees major disruptions

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor carrying about one-fifth of the world's oil and significant volumes of gas, has faced multiple tanker attacks after Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed "complete control" of the waterway. Shipping traffic has largely stalled as a result.

Threats from Iran escalate tensions

An IRGC commander warned on Monday that the strait was "closed" and any vessel attempting passage would be set "ablaze." So far, at least five tankers have been damaged, two crew members killed, and around 150 ships stranded in the area, which separates Iran and Oman.

Limited traffic continues amid withdrawals

Vessel tracking service Kpler reported that some ships, mainly flying the flags of Iran and China, continued to pass through the strait. However, most commercial operators, major oil companies, and insurers have effectively pulled out. Insurance premiums had already hit a six-year high even before the conflict intensified.

Rerouting adds costs and delays

As ships are rerouted along longer paths, including around the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa, companies face extended delivery times and rising operational costs for Middle East oil shipments.