Dubai, March 20: An Indian merchant navy captain has died of a cardiac arrest while his vessel remained stranded for nearly three weeks near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a victim of the escalating geopolitical conflict in West Asia. Captain Rakesh Ranjan Singh, 47, a veteran mariner from Ranchi, Jharkhand, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, after medical evacuation efforts were reportedly hampered by regional tensions. His death has sparked urgent pleas from his family for the Indian government to intervene and repatriate his remains.

A Mission Stalled by Conflict

Captain Singh had rejoined his vessel, the oil-carrying merchant ship ASP Avana, in Dubai on February 2. After loading a consignment of oil, the ship was scheduled to depart for India on March 1. Middle East Conflict: Iran Threatens World Tourism Sites, Says It Is Still Building Missiles Nearly 3 Weeks Into War.

However, as the conflict between regional powers intensified, maritime authorities halted movement through the Strait of Hormuz. The Avana was forced to anchor approximately 60 kilometers off the coast of Dubai, where it remained stranded for 18 to 20 days with a crew of 35 onboard.

Fatal Delays in Medical Care

Family members report that the prolonged period of uncertainty and the "war-like conditions" at sea placed immense stress on the crew. On the evening of March 18, Captain Singh’s health deteriorated suddenly. Middle East Conflict: Iran Hits Back at Multiple Gulf Refineries After Israeli Strike on Its Offshore Gas Field.

According to his brother, Umesh Singh, junior officers on the ship immediately requested an air ambulance from Dubai authorities. However, permission for an airlift was denied due to active conflict and airspace restrictions in the area.

"Timely medical evacuation might have saved his life," Umesh Singh told reporters. Instead, the captain had to be transported to the coast by boat, a delay the family believes proved fatal. He was declared dead upon arrival at Port Rashid in Dubai.

Repatriation Efforts Underway

The Captain’s body is currently being held at the mortuary of Sheikh Rashid Hospital in Dubai. Repatriation efforts have faced further complications due to the three-day Eid holiday and ongoing legal formalities.

The family has sent formal appeals to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs, and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. They are requesting government monitoring to ensure the shipping company settles all financial entitlements and that the body is returned to Ranchi for final rites.

Background of the Crisis

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints, handling roughly a third of the world’s liquefied natural gas and almost 25% of total global oil consumption.

The death of Captain Singh is the latest in a series of casualties involving Indian seafarers caught in the West Asia crossfire. Earlier this month, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed grave concern over the "unacceptable" targeting of commercial shipping, noting that several Indian sailors have been killed or injured in the region since late February.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 20, 2026 10:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).