Family of sailor killed in US attack on vessel off Oman demands justice
Hamirpur, June 11
The family of one of the three Indian sailors, who were declared dead after the US forces attacked a vessel off the coast of Oman earlier this week, demanded an enquiry into the incident and appealed that the victim's mortal remains be brought home at the earliest.
The killing of Indian seafarers, who were initially reported missing, was confirmed by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, who called it a "profound loss for India's maritime community".
One of the victims was identified as Aditya Sharma, a resident of Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur.
Talking to reporters, his uncle said: "He was my nephew, just 22-23 years old. We had brought him up with so many dreams."
Recounting how the family came to know about the tragic news, he said: "Last night, at around 9 p.m., my brother received a phone call informing him that he was missing. As soon as I got the information, I left everything and rushed straight to Jalandhar, where my brother was staying."
"The whole night, we tried to coordinate with the company's people. They did cooperate, but were not telling us anything except that he was missing. He was working on the deck. He was still on probation and had completed around six months of service," he said.
He noted that Aditya was about to come home on May 24, but had extended his work for a month.
"Upon reaching Jalandhar, we were seeking details, during which at about 1.30-2 p.m., his name was declared among the dead," he said.
"Now, though, we have returned home, we are making every possible effort to ensure that we receive the mortal remains of our son at the earliest so that we are able to carry out his last rites," Aditya's uncle said.
Further, he said: "The family wants to know what Aditya was doing at the spot where the missile landed, that too at 10-10:.30 pm? Also, we need information on whether he was provided help or not."
The sailor's grandfather added: "If the ship's captain was warned not to take the vessel ahead, how could he ignore the warning? We want to know this."
"I would request (Hamirpur) MP Anurag Thakur and the Central government to conduct a proper enquiry and punish the culprits," he told media persons.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is deeply saddening. The family's pain is unimaginable. But we need to ask tough questions: Did the shipping company follow proper protocols? Why was the vessel in a conflict zone? Also, what exactly was the US military doing? Innocent lives should not be collateral damage in geopolitical games.
Tragic. Our sailors go to work in dangerous waters to earn for their families, and this is what happens. The Government must immediately coordinate with international authorities to bring Aditya's remains home. Also, the captain should be held accountable if he ignored warnings. Justice must be done.
I feel for the family. They lost a young boy who had just started his journey. But let's be honest - the US needs to answer why they attacked a commercial vessel. And why were our sailors not evacuated in time? This is a failure at multiple levels. A proper enquiry is the least we need.
Every life lost is a tragedy, but when it's a young man with dreams, it stings more. The family's questions are valid - why was the vessel in such a risky area? And why wasn't the crew warned earlier? Prayers for Aditya's soul and strength for his family. 🙏
Respectful criticism: While I sympathize with the family, I hope the investigation is transparent. If the captain ignored warnings, that's a serious lapse. Also, Indian authorities must be more proactive in protecting our seafarers abroad. Too many lives lost due to bureaucratic delays.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.