Three Indian sailors killed in tanker strike

NEW DELHI: (Web Desk) – India has confirmed the deaths of three sailors who were reported missing after the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello was struck off the coast of Oman. The confirmation came from Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who described the incident as a tragic loss for the country’s maritime community.

According to the minister, the missing crew members were located and identified following search and recovery efforts. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured government support during this difficult period.

The attack prompted a strong reaction from New Delhi, which summoned a senior US diplomat and formally protested the strike. Indian authorities had earlier stated that 21 crew members were rescued while three remained unaccounted for after the incident.

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The MT Settebello was carrying a largely Indian crew when it was hit near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. International maritime bodies have also voiced concern over the attack and its implications for the safety of civilian shipping in the region.

Sonowal said officials have been instructed to facilitate the immediate return of rescued crew members and arrange the swift repatriation of the deceased sailors’ remains so that final rites can be conducted in India.

The incident follows another reported strike involving a merchant vessel with Indian crew members in the region earlier this week, highlighting growing concerns over maritime security amid escalating tensions in the Gulf.