A tragic maritime incident has unfolded near the Strait of Hormuz after an Indian cargo vessel carrying 18 crew members caught fire and capsized during escalating regional tensions. One Indian sailor from Gujarat was killed while several others were injured after the dhow reportedly came under fire amid alleged crossfire linked to fresh US-Iran naval clashes in the region. The vessel, travelling from Dubai to Yemen, burst into flames before overturning in one of the world’s most sensitive shipping corridors. Survivors were rescued by another passing ship, while injured crew members are now being treated in Dubai.

A major escalation has been reported across the Gulf region as alleged drone and missile activity triggers widespread air defence responses in the United Arab Emirates. According to early reports, multiple aerial threats were intercepted over UAE airspace, while emergency systems were activated across key cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The situation intensified after a reported strike on the Fujairah industrial zone, where a refinery was engulfed in fire following a suspected drone impact. Civil defence teams were immediately deployed to contain the blaze as tensions surged across critical energy infrastructure. Authorities also confirmed that mobile emergency alerts were issued, instructing residents in several regions to remain indoors as precautionary measures were enforced during the unfolding situation. WATCH