3 Indian sailors, initially missing, confirmed dead in US attack on vessel off Oman
New Delhi, June 11
Three Indian sailors, who were reportedly missing after the US forces attacked a vessel off the coast of Oman earlier this week, have been confirmed dead in the deadly attacks.
The killing of Indian seafarers was confirmed by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, who called it a "profound loss for India's maritime community".
The minister said that the bodies of all three missing sailors have been recovered. He also informed that steps are being taken to repatriate the bodies of fallen seafarers for their last rites.
"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," Sonowal said in a post on X.
Preliminary inputs, after the attack on the oil vessel, said that 21 Indian sailors were rescued from the ship while three seafarers were reported missing.
The Union Minister described the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello as "deeply unfortunate" and said that the government was standing by the bereaved families in this difficult hour.
"Modi government stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin. I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites," he said in the post on X.
The oil tanker had a total crew of 28 members, including 24 Indian nationals and four foreign nationals-- two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian, and one Russian-- when it came under a US military attack in the Gulf of Oman. The US, justifying the attack, said that the vessel violated the prescribed instructions and hence came under its radar.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Very sad indeed. 21 rescued but 3 missing—we all hoped they'd be found alive. But the US justification that the vessel "violated prescribed instructions" sounds weak. How does a civilian tanker become a military target? Our sailors deserve better protection when working in conflict zones.
This is a profound loss for India's maritime community indeed. But let's also question the bigger picture—why are Indian sailors working on vessels that get caught in US military operations off Oman? Our government must ensure safer shipping routes and better intelligence for Indian-crewed ships. Condolences to the families.
As someone who follows international news, this is alarming. The US attack on a Palau-flagged tanker with Indian crew raises serious questions about maritime rules of engagement. Glad the Modi government is repatriating bodies and supporting families, but I hope diplomatic channels are used to prevent such tragedies in future.
Deeply troubling. Three Indian lives lost because of some US military action—and for what? A tanker that "violated instructions"? This feels like an overreach. Our sailors are not pawns in geopolitical games. The government should investigate thoroughly and hold the US accountable.
A tragic reminder of the risks our seafarers face daily. The crew was diverse—Indians, Pakistanis, Ukrainians, Russians—showing how globalized shipping is. While I appreciate the government's swift response, I'm concerned about the US's unilateral actions in international waters. RIP to the fallen sailors. 🇮🇳
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