Three Indian seafarers have been confirmed dead following a US military strike on the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced on June 11.
The vessel, carrying a crew of 28 members, including 24 Indian nationals, reportedly came under attack by US forces earlier this week. The US military stated that the tanker was targeted after allegedly failing to comply with instructions and attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of an ongoing American blockade.
The deceased sailors have been identified as Deck Cadet Aditya Sharma, Engine Fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya and Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh. They were initially reported missing following the incident before their bodies were later recovered and identified.
Describing the incident as a profound tragedy, Sonowal expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured full government support.
“It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified,” the minister said.
He added that officials had been directed to ensure the immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and the swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites.
According to reports, 21 Indian crew members were rescued following the strike. The ship also carried four foreign nationals, including two Pakistani citizens, one Ukrainian and one Russian.
India Lodges Strong Protest
India strongly condemned the incident and lodged a formal protest with the United States. According to reports, New Delhi summoned the US Charge d’Affaires and conveyed its concerns over the attack involving a vessel carrying Indian nationals.
Official sources described attacks on shipping in the region as deeply worrying and linked them to the broader conflict and instability in the Middle East.
US Explains Strike
The US Central Command later acknowledged carrying out the strike, stating that the tanker had violated restrictions related to the transportation of Iranian oil. According to the US military, the vessel repeatedly failed to comply with directions issued by American forces.
The strike reportedly disabled the tanker while it was operating in the Gulf of Oman.
Tensions in Strategic Waterway
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where maritime traffic has been affected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and its allies. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, has witnessed increased security challenges and competing restrictions on shipping movements in recent months.
The deaths of the three Indian sailors have drawn attention to the risks faced by merchant mariners operating in conflict zones and have prompted renewed calls for de-escalation and the protection of civilian shipping in international waters.
Indian authorities are continuing efforts to assist the surviving crew members and support the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.
