Three missing Indian seafarers dead after US strike on tanker in Gulf of Oman

All three Indian seafarers who had gone missing after a U.S. military strike on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello have been confirmed dead, Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.

The development comes after two more bodies were recovered from the vessel, ending hopes of finding the missing crew members alive. The U.S. military has said it carried out a "precision" strike on the tanker after it allegedly failed to comply with its instructions and was transporting Iranian oil.

Reacting to the incident, Sonowal said in a post on X, "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. 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."



New Delhi has lodged a strong protest with Washington over the strike and summoned the U.S. deputy chief of mission to convey its concerns.


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The U.S. military's Central Command (Centcom) said an American aircraft fired "precision munitions" into the ship's engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with instructions from U.S. forces. It said the Palau-flagged oil products tanker had violated the blockade imposed on Iran-related shipping by attempting to transport Iranian oil through the Gulf of Oman.

The blockade was launched on April 13 after Iran sharply curtailed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest oil and gas transit routes. According to Centcom, U.S. forces have since disabled eight non-compliant vessels, redirected 134 ships that complied with its orders, and allowed 42 humanitarian aid vessels to pass.

The MT Settebello, a chemical and oil products tanker, reported an engine room fire around 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman's port of Sohar, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The Omani Navy responded to the vessel's distress call. The ship was partially laden and had last been tracked off the Omani coast earlier this month.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal earlier condemned what he described as an "attack on the commercial vessel Settebello" and said India was closely monitoring the situation.

"Our embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation," Jaiswal said, adding that 21 Indian mariners had been rescued. "The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end."


The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is coordinating efforts to facilitate the return of the surviving crew members and the bodies of the deceased to India. The government is also extending assistance to the families affected by the tragedy.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in conflict-hit waters. "I strongly condemn any act from any party that endangers the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping. This is simply unacceptable," International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said, adding that his thoughts were with the families of the three missing seafarers and the crew awaiting news.

(With inputs from Reuters)