Three Indian Seafarers Killed After US Strike On Commercial Ship Off Oman Coast

Three Indian seafarers were killed after a US military attack on a commercial vessel off the Oman coast. 21 Indians were rescued after the attack. "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," Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. "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. 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 added.

Earlier, the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) had confirmed the death of two seafarers. "We have been unable to establish a connection with the ship," General Secretary of FSUI Manoj Yadav told ANI, adding, "The latest information I have indicates that two have died, while the Chief Engineer is still reported as missing."He further said that the three affected sailors were from different Indian states. "The three are from Himachal Pradesh, Deoria (Uttar Pradesh), and Andhra Pradesh," he said.The attack on the commercial vessel Settebello came two days after a Palao-flagged vessel with 24 Indians came under attack of the US Navy. India on Wednesday summoned the US charge d'affaires to strongly protest a US military attack on the commercial vessel off the Oman coast. Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks was handed demarche or diplomatic note of protests over the incident, according to a report by news agency PTI.Read More - India Summons Top US Diplomat Over Attack On Ship Carrying Indians Off Oman Coast

In its official reaction, New Delhi strongly condemned the strike and said the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in West Asia must end, and free and unimpeded navigation through the international waterways should be restored at the earliest.

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The attack was acknowledged by the US Central Command. The strike on the vessel, saying it violated the ongoing US blockade of the Iranian ports by attempting to transport oil from Iran.Yadav claimed that the United States was aware of the nationality of Indians. "I absolutely refuse to believe that the US lacked information regarding the nationalities of the people on board those ships. That is simply not possible. I am 101% certain that US 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," Yadav said.(With ANI inputs)