Our Bureau
New Delhi
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of three Indian seafarers following the attack on the Palau-flagged vessel MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz, saying the government stands firmly with the bereaved families and is committed to all necessary assistance.
Earlier, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that its forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly violated an ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.
It said that precision munitions were used to target the vessel’s engine room after repeated non-compliance by the crew. It added that eight non-compliant vessels have been disabled, 134 ships redirected, and 42 humanitarian vessels allowed to pass since the blockade began on April 13.
In an official statement, the US Central Command stated, “At 11:14 p.m. on June 9, U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman for the second consecutive day after another vessel violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman.”
“A U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces. CENTCOM forces have disabled eight non-compliant vessels, redirected 134 ships that complied, and allowed 42 vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass since initiating the blockade on April 13,” the statement read.
As per reports, the three seafarers killed in the attack, are from Himachal Pradesh, Deoria (Uttar Pradesh), and Andhra Pradesh.
In a post shared on X, Sonowal described the incident as a “profound loss” for India’s maritime community and confirmed that the seafarers, initially reported missing, have now been declared dead after recovery efforts.
“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. This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin,” the post read.
He added that immediate steps have been initiated for the repatriation process.
“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,” Sonowal added.
The incident relates to an attack on the MT Settebello, which had 24 Indian crew members onboard. Of these, 21 were rescued while three were initially reported missing.
India on Wednesday summoned Jason Meeks, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States, to protest the attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman.
Expressing concern over escalating tensions in the region, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) added that repeated attacks on shipping were “deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region.”
India also reiterated its call for de-escalation.
“We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region,” the MEA said.
