3 Indian crew members killed in US strike on tanker off Oman coast

Three Indian seafarers were killed after the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello came under attack by US forces in the Gulf of Oman, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday. The vessel was carrying 28 crew members, including 24 Indian nationals, when it was struck. The three crew members, initially reported missing after the incident, were later confirmed dead after their bodies were recovered and identified.

The deceased sailors were identified as deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya and chief engineer Patnala Suresh. According to the Shipping Minister, 21 Indian crew members were rescued following the incident. He directed officials to ensure the immediate repatriation of the rescued sailors and the swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased to their families.

According to official statements, the MT Settebello came under attack while transiting the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The US military stated that the vessel was targeted after allegedly failing to comply with instructions from American forces and for allegedly transporting oil from Iran in violation of an ongoing US blockade. US Central Command said precision munitions were used to disable the tanker.

India strongly condemned the incident and expressed concern over attacks on commercial shipping in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that attacks on shipping routes were deeply concerning and linked to the continuing conflict in the Middle East. India reiterated its call for de-escalation and stressed the importance of protecting commercial vessels, civilian lives and international trade routes.

Following the attack, India summoned the US Charge d'Affaires in New Delhi to lodge a strong protest. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor. Authorities continue to coordinate with relevant agencies regarding the rescued crew members and the aftermath of the attack on the vessel.