“My Friend Never Came Back” — Survivor Recounts Horror of Hormuz Missile Attack

A sailor who survived a deadly missile strike in the Strait of Hormuz has shared a harrowing account of the attack, revealing that one of his close friends is still missing following the incident that struck an oil tanker during escalating tensions in the Middle East.

According to reports, 26-year-old Indian sailor Sunil Puniya was aboard the oil tanker Skylight on his first assignment at sea when the vessel was hit by a missile in the early hours of March 1 while navigating the volatile Strait of Hormuz. The attack reportedly killed crew members and forced survivors into a desperate evacuation.

Puniya recounted the terrifying moments of the strike, saying the crew had little time to react as explosions rocked the tanker. While several sailors were rescued, he said one of his friends has not been found since the incident, leaving families and colleagues anxiously awaiting answers.

The attack comes amid rising insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, following the intensifying conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Maritime agencies and shipping operators have repeatedly warned about growing dangers to commercial vessels operating in the region.

Recent reports indicate that thousands of sailors remain stranded aboard vessels across the Gulf due to security threats, military restrictions, and fears of further missile or drone attacks. Several ships have reportedly been damaged since the conflict escalated earlier this year.

The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of global oil exports, making any disruption in the area a major concern for international trade and energy markets.