Three Indians dead, dozens rescued after merchant vessel attack off Oman

Three Indian seafarers who were initially reported missing after an attack on a tanker off the coast of Oman have been confirmed dead, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday. The development comes amid continuing concerns over the safety of merchant vessels operating in the Gulf region.

The three crew members were aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, which came under attack on Wednesday. Omani Armed Forces rescued 25 crew members, including 21 Indians, following the incident, per a report by Hindustan Times.

Sonowal expresses grief

Confirming the deaths, Sonowal said 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 bodies have been located and identified.”

Also Read | Centre scraps excise duty on higher ethanol-blended petrol; here's what changes for India

Calling it a “profound loss to our maritime family”, the minister said the government “stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin”.

He added that officials have been directed to ensure the immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and the swift return of the bodies of the deceased.

Another vessel incident reported

Even as authorities dealt with the aftermath of the Settebello attack, reports emerged of another incident involving a merchant vessel carrying Indian crew members off the Omani coast.

The Indian Embassy in Oman said, “We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off Shinas port of Oman, earlier today. We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details.” Officials later indicated that all crew members on that vessel were safe.

Also Read | El Nino officially declared: Will India’s monsoon, crops and water supply take a hit?

India had lodged protest

India had earlier condemned the attack on MT Settebello and summoned US chargé d'affaires Jason Meeks to register a strong protest over the incident.

According to the Forward Seamen's Union of India, two of the deceased crew members were identified as deck cadet Aditya Sharma and engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya.

The US Central Command said the tanker was disabled after an aircraft fired precision munitions into its engine room “after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces”. It further alleged that the vessel “violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran”.