India has officially confirmed the deaths of three Indian sailors following a United States military strike on a commercial vessel operating off the coast of Oman, marking another tragic incident involving merchant ships in the region.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello, which was struck a day earlier.
In an official statement, Sonowal said it was heartbreaking to learn that three Indian seafarers who were initially reported missing have now been confirmed dead after recovery and identification efforts were completed.
The incident has intensified diplomatic tensions, with India’s Ministry of External Affairs reportedly summoning a senior US diplomat in New Delhi to register a strong protest over the attack.
This marks the second reported strike involving a merchant vessel carrying a predominantly Indian crew within the same week. Earlier, on June 8, Omani authorities conducted a large-scale rescue operation after another Palau-flagged tanker, MT Marivex, was hit during a US military action.
The rescue mission successfully evacuated 24 Indian sailors from the vessel. Images shared by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India showed dramatic scenes as crew members were lifted to safety by helicopter while dense black smoke engulfed parts of the ship, including the bridge and crew accommodation areas.
The latest developments have raised fresh concerns about the safety of commercial shipping routes in the region and the growing risks faced by merchant seafarers working in conflict-prone waters.
Sonowal assured families that the Indian government remains committed to supporting those affected by the tragedy.
He stated that officials have been instructed to facilitate the immediate return of rescued crew members to India and ensure the swift repatriation of the deceased sailors so that their families can perform their final rites with dignity.
The loss of the three sailors has sparked an outpouring of grief across India’s maritime community, highlighting the sacrifices made by seafarers who continue to work under increasingly challenging and dangerous conditions.
