New Delhi: Three Indian seafarers who were initially reported missing following an attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman have been confirmed dead, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Wednesday. The victims were among the crew members aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello, which came under attack in the Gulf of Oman earlier this week.
Calling the incident a tragic loss, Sonowal said the bodies of the three missing sailors had been recovered and identified. The deceased have been identified as Aditya Sharma, Shivanand Chaurasiya and Patnala Suresh.
Three missing sailors confirmed dead
The tanker had a crew of 28 members, including 24 Indian nationals and four foreign nationals comprising two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian and one Russian.
Initial reports indicated that 21 Indian crew members had been rescued following the attack, while three Indian sailors remained unaccounted for. Authorities have now confirmed that all three missing crew members lost their lives during the incident.
In a statement, Sonowal expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and described the deaths as a profound loss for India’s maritime community.
Government promises support to families
The Union Minister said the government would extend all necessary assistance to the families affected by the tragedy.
He stated that officials had been directed to facilitate the immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and ensure the swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased to India for their final rites.
The government has also assured support to the next of kin during the difficult period following the incident.
Vessel attacked in Gulf of Oman
According to reports, the Settebello came under attack in the Gulf of Oman while attempting to transit through the region.
The US military later acknowledged carrying out the strike, stating that the vessel allegedly failed to comply with instructions issued by American forces and was suspected of transporting oil from Iran in violation of a US-imposed blockade.
The attack reportedly disabled the tanker, leaving crew members stranded and triggering rescue operations.
India condemns attack on vessel
India strongly condemned the incident, noting that 24 Indian nationals were on board the vessel when it came under attack.
Government officials described attacks on commercial shipping in the region as deeply concerning and linked them to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. India reiterated its call for immediate de-escalation and urged all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilise maritime trade routes.
A senior government official also confirmed that India had lodged a strong protest with the United States over the attack.
Tensions continue in strategic waterway
The incident has drawn renewed attention to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade corridors for crude oil and fuel supplies.
Shipping activity in the region has faced disruptions amid continuing tensions and conflict in the Middle East. Efforts to restore normal navigation through the strategic waterway have so far failed to produce a lasting solution.
The deaths of the three Indian sailors have added to concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers operating in conflict-prone regions.