In a tragic maritime incident in the Gulf of Oman, three Indian seafarers lost their lives after United States forces struck a Palau-flagged oil tanker earlier this week. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths, noting that while all three were initially reported missing, the bodies of two have since been recovered.
The vessel, identified as the MT Settebello, carried a crew of 28 members, including 24 Indian nationals and four others from Pakistan, Ukraine, and Russia. Following the attack, 21 Indian crew members were rescued. The deceased have been named as deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya, and chief engineer Patnala Suresh.
The minister expressed deep regret over the loss, describing it as a profound blow to the maritime community. He assured that the government is providing full support to the families of the victims and has instructed officials to expedite the repatriation of the rescued crew and the return of the deceased for last rites.
The strike occurred as US Central Command forces targeted the tanker with precision munitions. Authorities stated that the vessel was attempting to transport oil from Iran, in violation of an ongoing blockade in the region. The US later reported that the crew had repeatedly failed to heed warnings from American forces. The incident caused a fire in the engine room, prompting distress signals from the ship.
Indian authorities have strongly condemned the attack on the vessel carrying its nationals. Officials summoned the US charge d’affaires in New Delhi to register a formal protest. India has described such incidents against commercial shipping as highly concerning, attributing them to the broader regional conflict, and has called for immediate de-escalation.
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The Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil supplies, has faced significant restrictions amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. These include competing blockades that have complicated maritime operations in the area. Omani authorities assisted in the evacuation, airlifting survivors from the burning tanker off the coast near Sohar.
This event underscores the risks faced by seafarers navigating volatile waters during periods of geopolitical strain. Efforts continue to support the affected families and ensure the safe return of all involved.
