Iran-Israel conflict: Kin of Indian seafarer killed in strike off Oman move Bombay HC, seek return of remains

Family of Indian seafarer killed in missile strike petitions Bombay HC for expedited return of his mortal remains.

The family of an Indian seafarer, who died in a missile strike on a vessel off the Oman coast during the West Asia war, has filed a petition before the Bombay High Court seeking directions to authorities to repatriate his mortal remains.

The petitioners, Amratlal Gokal Solanki and his daughter Mitali Amratlal Solanki, have sought a writ of mandamus against the Union of India and other respondents including the Directorate General of Shipping and V Ships India Pvt. Ltd.

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The deceased, Dixit Amratlal Solanki, was serving as an oiler in the engine room aboard the vessel MT MKD Vyom. Captain Sadler Rebeiro informed the family on March 1, 2026 that the vessel had been struck by a missile, the petition said. An initial casualty report stated that Solanki was missing due to a hole on the shipside following the explosion and fire.

The petitioners have a right to receive the mortal remains of the deceased family member and perform rites guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the petition states. It contends that the respondents are under a legal obligation to ensure speedy repatriation of the mortal remains under Article 21 read with the Merchant Navy Act, 2025.

The family was later informed that Solanki had been declared deceased. While the remaining 21 crew members were rescued, the petition alleges that Solanki was left behind on the vessel.