'Heightened alert': India ramps up maritime security after three sailors killed in Gulf attack

The Indian government has placed maritime agencies on the “highest” alert following the deaths of three Indian seafarers in an attack on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said on Thursday that it is closely monitoring developments around the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters to safeguard Indian sailors working aboard commercial vessels in the region.

Also Read | What did Indian sailor Aditya Sharma tell his family before Oman attack? Details from final phone call emerge

To strengthen maritime safety, the government said it is coordinating with shipping companies and maritime administrations of friendly countries. Authorities have also directed all concerned agencies to remain on “heightened alert” and “maintain readiness to respond to any contingency involving Indian seafarers or Indian maritime interests”.

Three Indian sailors killed aboard MT Settebello

The three victims have been identified as Patnala Suresh (44), Aditya Sharma (23) and Shivanand Chaurasia (38). They were aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello when it was attacked by a US jet in the Gulf of Oman.

The government said, “Recent security incidents involving merchant vessels operating in the region have highlighted the increasing risks faced by commercial shipping.”

Also Read | Vinimay explained: How India’s new digital land port system aims to transform border trade and security

Among those killed were a marine engineer from Visakhapatnam, an engine fitter from Uttar Pradesh and a trainee deck cadet from Himachal Pradesh.

Reacting to the tragedy, Union 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.”

Multiple vessels carrying Indians targeted

The attacks have heightened concerns about the safety of maritime trade routes used by Indian seafarers.

Earlier this week, the Palau-flagged Marivex was also hit in the Gulf of Oman. US authorities alleged that the vessel was attempting to breach a naval blockade while heading toward an Iranian port. All 24 Indian crew members onboard were rescued safely.

Another vessel, the Guinea Bissau-flagged Jalveer, was struck by American forces in the same region. All 20 Indian nationals aboard the ship were reported safe.

Also Read | What is a demarche? All about India's protest to the US over Settebello vessel strike near Oman

Safety measures stepped up

The government has advised seafarers travelling through the region on both Indian and foreign-flagged vessels to remain cautious. Shipping companies, vessel operators and ship managers have been instructed to follow maritime safety protocols strictly.

Authorities said dedicated communication channels have been established to provide round-the-clock support to Indian sailors as tensions continue in one of the world's most important shipping corridors.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump defended the military action, saying, “We've been taking out many ships that nobody knew... over the last month, we've been taking out big ships, quietly at night... We bombed their (Iran's) radar and everything so they couldn't see what was going on... a lot of ships, a lot of oil is out this way…”