Three Indian sailors from the Palau-flagged MT Settebello have been confirmed dead following a U.S. military strike in the Gulf of Oman, raising concerns over maritime security in a region marked by escalating tensions.
NEW DELHI: Three Indian sailors aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello have been confirmed dead after a U.S. military strike on the vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced the tragic news on Thursday, revealing that the sailors were among the 24 Indian crew members aboard the ship when it came under attack.
Initially, authorities reported two fatalities and one missing person, but subsequent investigations confirmed that the chief engineer, initially reported as missing, was also among the deceased. “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,” Sonowal stated on X, formerly known as Twitter. He also emphasized the need for the swift repatriation of the crew members who were rescued and the return of the deceased’s remains for their final rites.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) noted that communication with the vessel had been disrupted, complicating efforts to verify details surrounding the incident. FSUI General Secretary Manoj Yadav stated, “We have been unable to establish a connection with the ship. The latest information I have indicates that two have died, while the chief engineer is still reported as missing.” Yadav further noted that the three affected crew members hailed from different parts of India, including Himachal Pradesh, Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Context of the Incident
The attack occurred amid increasing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has witnessed a series of assaults on commercial vessels over recent weeks as conflicts in the region have intensified. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 21 of the 24 Indian crew members were rescued following the incident. The ministry condemned the attack, asserting that the Indian embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and actively coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
The MEA stated, “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation.” The government expressed grave concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in the region, emphasizing the rising threat to commercial shipping.
Diplomatic Repercussions
In response to the attack, India has formally protested the U.S. strike. MEA additional secretary (Americas) Nagaraj Naidu summoned U.S. Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks to deliver a formal demarche regarding the strike, which left three Indian crew members unaccounted for. Indian officials stressed the need for the protection of seafarers operating in international waters and called for an immediate cessation of attacks on commercial shipping.
Yadav expressed skepticism regarding the U.S. military’s decision to engage without considering the nationalities of the crew members aboard the vessel. “I absolutely refuse to believe that the U.S. lacked information regarding the nationalities of the people on board those ships. That is simply not possible. I am 101% certain that U.S. naval forces knew exactly how many Indians and foreign nationals were on those vessels. If the ships failed to heed their instructions, detaining them was a viable alternative,” he remarked.
Implications for Maritime Safety
The attack on MT Settebello marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict affecting commercial shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil transportation. The incident raises urgent questions about the safety of merchant vessels and the thousands of Indian seafarers working on international ships operating in Gulf waters. Repeated attacks in this region have prompted calls for improved security measures to safeguard maritime operations.
As tensions continue to rise, both Indian officials and maritime industry representatives are advocating for enhanced communication systems, increased military presence, and international monitoring to ensure the safety of seafarers in conflict zones. The situation underscores the precarious nature of commercial shipping in a region fraught with geopolitical instability and violence.
