Three missing Indian seafarers confirmed dead in US strike on tanker
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "Three missing Indian seafarers confirmed dead in US strike on tanker")
A visual of the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello, with 24 Indian seafarers on board, attacked by US forces off the coast of Oman, near Strait of Hormuz, on Wednesday (June 10). Photograph: (ANI)
Three Indian seafarers missing after a US strike on tanker MT Settebello off Oman have been confirmed dead. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the government will support the families and ensure swift repatriation of survivors and the victims’ remains.
The three Indian seafarers earlier reported missing following a US military strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman have been confirmed dead, Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday (Jun 11). This comes as a third tanker, Guinea Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian crew members onboard, was attacked by US forces this week in the Gulf as tensions escalate in the region.
In a post on X, Sonowal shared the news, “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 two bodies were recovered.”
He added, “This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi Govt 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.
On Wednesday (Jun 10), US forces struck Palau-flagged M/T Settebello in the Gulf of Oman. Out of 24 Indian crew members onboard the vessel, 21 were rescued while 3 were killed. India strongly condemned the incident and summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks to register its protest, amid growing concern over escalating attacks on shipping in the volatile region.
“Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 3 Indians are reportedly missing,” the MEA said in an earlier statement. “Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation.”
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Third tanker attacked in US strike
In a latest incident, another tanker carrying 20 Indian crew members onboard was attacked by US forces off the coast of Oman. In a statement, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said that it is monitoring the situation involving MT Jalveer near Shinas port. “We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off Shinas port of Oman, earlier today. We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details,” officials said in a statement.
Earlier this week, a US strike on another tanker, the Marivex, also carrying an all-Indian crew, who were safely evacuated.
