Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 11: Three Indian seafarers who went missing after a US military strike on a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman have been confirmed dead, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.
The incident involved the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello, which was struck in the Gulf of Oman while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz. Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued, while three were initially reported missing before their deaths were confirmed.
The United States said its military carried out a "precision strike" on the vessel after it allegedly failed to comply with instructions issued by American forces. Washington also claimed that the tanker was transporting Iranian oil in violation of a US-imposed maritime blockade.
Following the incident, India lodged a strong protest with the United States. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks and conveyed New Delhi’s concerns over the attack and the loss of Indian lives.
In a statement, the MEA condemned the strike on the commercial vessel and said the Indian Embassy in Muscat was closely coordinating with Omani authorities regarding rescue and relief efforts.
The ministry noted that attacks on commercial shipping in the region were deeply worrying and called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions. It also stressed the need to restore free and unhindered navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law.
According to reports, crew members aboard the tanker sent distress calls after the strike, reporting a fire in the engine room and severe damage to the vessel. They urgently appealed for assistance, stating that all 24 crew members on board were Indians.
US Central Command later confirmed that an American aircraft had fired munitions into the vessel’s engine room after repeated warnings and instructions were allegedly ignored by the crew.
The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region, where clashes involving the United States and Iran have heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping routes and maritime trade.