Three missing Indian sailors confirmed dead in US strike on tanker in Sea of Oman

Three Indian sailors who were reported missing have been killed after the US military struck a tanker in the Sea of Oman earlier this week.

The Palau-flagged MT Settebello came under attack on Wednesday after the US military accused it of not complying with "directions from American forces."

There were 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 of whom were rescued.

“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,” India's Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal wrote in a post on X on Thursday.

He added, “This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi government 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,” Sonowal said.

Following the strike on Wednesday, the Indian government called in the deputy head of the US mission in Delhi.

India summons US diplomat, lodges 'strong protest' after tanker strike off Oman sends crewmembers missing

India summons a senior US diplomat and lodges a strong protest following a strike on a commercial tanker off the coast of Oman.

Sources from the Indian External Affairs Ministry said Jason Meeks, the chargé d'affaires of the US Embassy in New Delhi, was summoned to express discontent over the assault on the commercial vessel MT Settebello off the coast of Oman.

The United States military has restricted access to Iran's ports following Tehran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for approximately 20% of the global oil and gas supply, amid the ongoing US‑Israeli onslaught against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

According to CENTCOM, US forces have incapacitated eight vessels and rerouted 134 others since the illegal blockade commenced on April 13.

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