New Delhi: Three Indian sailors lost their lives after a US military strike on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, prompting concern in India over the safety of seafarers amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths of the three crew members, who had initially been reported missing after the attack. Their bodies have since been recovered and identified. The deceased were named as deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya and chief engineer Patnala Suresh.
The Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello carried a crew of 28, including 24 Indian nationals and four foreign nationals comprising two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian and one Russian. Twenty-one Indian sailors were rescued following the incident.
According to US Central Command, American forces targeted the vessel after it allegedly failed to comply with instructions and attempted to transport oil from Iran in violation of an ongoing US blockade. A US warplane reportedly struck the tanker with precision munitions, disabling the vessel in the Gulf of Oman.
India strongly condemned the attack and expressed concern over the impact of regional conflict on commercial shipping. Officials stated that 24 Indian nationals came under attack while the vessel attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz.
The Indian government also lodged a strong protest with the United States through diplomatic channels. Sonowal assured support for the families of the deceased and directed authorities to arrange the repatriation of rescued crew members and the return of the mortal remains.
The incident comes amid continuing instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies. Shipping disruptions and military actions in the region have heightened concerns about maritime security and the safety of civilian crews operating in conflict zones.
