India, May 9 -- New Delhi

An Indian sailor was killed and several others were injured when their wooden dhow caught fire near the Strait of Hormuz, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday.

Seventeen Indian crew members of the dhow were rescued following the incident on Friday. The cause of the fire is still being ascertained. Crew members were rescued by a passing vessel in the area, the people said.

"A wooden dhow, carrying general cargo and with 18 Indian crew members capsized [on Friday] close to the Strait of Hormuz after it caught fire," a person said.

"One Indian on the dhow died, while four sustained burn injuries. The injured are receiving medical treatment in Dubai and are safe," the person said.

Officials from the ...