Indian Captain Dies on Oil Vessel Near Strait of Hormuz
Ranchi/New Delhi | March 2026
Captain Rakesh Ranjan, a 43-year-old merchant navy officer from Ranchi, passed away onboard an oil-carrying vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, his family confirmed on Friday.
Ranjan had joined the vessel, ‘ASP Avana- RPSL-MUM-172’, owned by a private company, on February 2. According to family members, he died on March 18, allegedly due to a cardiac arrest while on duty.
The bereaved family has appealed to the Central government and the Jharkhand state authorities to facilitate the early return of his mortal remains to India.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by Indian seafarers working in international waters, especially in sensitive regions like the Strait of Hormuz.
