Families of sailors killed in recent attacks in the Persian Gulf are facing significant challenges in obtaining compensation and closure, as the ongoing conflict continues to claim lives in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Since the outbreak of hostilities, more than 100 maritime incidents have been reported in the region, many involving vessels targeted by Iranian forces, while some sailors have also died in U.S. military strikes.
One such case is that of Sumit Kumar Singh, an Indian sailor who died after the oil tanker El Gaia was struck by an Iranian missile and a drone in September. The attack destroyed the ship’s engine room, leading to a fatal fire. Mr. Singh’s wife, Komal Priya, and their young children face financial uncertainty without his monthly salary, which was roughly $1,500—significantly higher than the average income in their home state of Bihar. Despite the family’s waiting for his remains to be recovered and repatriated, compensation has yet to be delivered, with the shipowner remaining unresponsive.
Similarly, families of sailors killed aboard the Settebello, including three men who died during a U.S. Navy strike in June, have struggled to secure financial support. The U.S. Central Command stated the vessel had violated a blockade and ignored warnings before the attack. Among the deceased was Suresh Patnala, whose wife, Bhargavi Patnala, said she has received only his final paycheck without any further compensation. Her attempts to claim insurance were denied due to the exclusion of war zone deaths in the policy. The shipping company, IOS Marine, reportedly ceased communication with the families and requested difficult-to-obtain documentation, complicating claims further.
Families interviewed described the emotional toll of losing loved ones in the conflict coupled with the frustrating bureaucratic and legal obstacles in obtaining relief. Some relatives said they have been told they cannot receive compensation without official death certificates, which have been difficult to obtain amid the chaotic circumstances. In one noted case, the death of Dalip Singh aboard the tanker Skylight—managed by an Emirati company under U.S. sanctions—left his family devastated, with his father succumbing to a heart attack weeks later.
Maritime law generally requires shipowners to compensate the survivors of sailors killed at sea, based on various factors including expected earnings. However, enforcement can be problematic, especially when ships operate within the so-called "shadow fleet," a group of vessels often associated with fraudulent insurance, substandard operations, or operating outside regulatory frameworks. This situation leaves many families of deceased crew members in precarious financial positions.
The majority of sailors affected by these incidents hail from Asian countries such as India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia, with some from Russia and Ukraine, reflecting the global nature of maritime labor. Their higher wages at sea contrast sharply with earnings in their home countries, underscoring the vital support these workers provide to their families. Despite this, the continuing regional hostilities have transformed their work into a perilous undertaking, adding layers of complexity to their families’ quests for justice and support.