New Delhi has confirmed the deaths of three Indian sailors aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello following a United States military strike off the coast of Oman. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that bodies were recovered and identified one day after the attack.
The incident prompted India’s Foreign Ministry to summon a senior US diplomat in New Delhi to lodge a formal protest. This marks the second reported US strike on a merchant vessel with a predominantly Indian crew this week.
On June 8, Omani authorities airlifted 24 Indian sailors from the MT Marivex after a separate US operation targeted the Palau-flagged tanker. Visual evidence from the scene showed thick black smoke engulfing the bridge and accommodation cabins as rescue helicopters winched crew members to safety.
Minister Sonowal stated the government stands firmly with the bereaved families. Officials have been directed to ensure immediate repatriation for rescued crew members and the swift return of mortal remains for final rites.