3 Indian Sailors Confirmed Dead After U.S. Attack on Tanker Off Oman
New Delhi — Three Indian sailors who were initially reported missing after U.S. forces attacked a vessel off the coast of Oman earlier this week have been confirmed dead, officials said.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths and called the incident a “profound loss for India’s maritime community.” He said the bodies of all three missing sailors had been recovered and that arrangements were being made to bring them back to India for their final rites.
“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 bodies have been located and identified,” Sonowal said in a post on X.
Initial reports after the attack said 21 Indian sailors had been rescued from the vessel, while three remained missing.
Sonowal described the incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello as “deeply unfortunate” and said the government was standing with the families of the victims.
“Modi government 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.
The oil tanker had 28 crew members on board, including 24 Indian nationals and four foreign nationals — two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian and one Russian — when it came under U.S. military attack in the Gulf of Oman.
The U.S. said the vessel had violated prescribed instructions and was targeted as a result. (Source: IANS)
