Three Indian sailors who were earlier reported missing after a United States military strike on the oil tanker MT Settebello near Oman have now been confirmed dead, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.
The Palau-flagged tanker was carrying 24 Indian crew members when it came under attack in the Gulf of Oman earlier this week. A search and rescue operation was launched immediately after the strike, with support from Indian and Omani authorities.
In a post on X, Sonowal called the incident “deeply unfortunate” and confirmed that the missing sailors had lost their lives.
“Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified,” he said.
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.
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) June 11, 2026
This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The…
The deceased sailors have been identified as deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya, and chief engineer Patnala Suresh.
Government Promises Support to Families
The minister described the deaths as a “profound loss to our maritime family” and assured support to the families of the victims.
“The Modi Government stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin,” Sonowal said.
He added that officials have been instructed to arrange the immediate return of the 21 rescued crew members and ensure the bodies of the deceased sailors are brought back to India quickly for final rites.
“I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased,” he stated.
US Says Tanker Violated Instructions
According to the United States Central Command, the tanker was targeted after it allegedly failed to follow instructions from American forces and was suspected of transporting oil from Iran.
The US military said one of its aircraft used “precision munitions” to strike the engine room of the vessel after the crew repeatedly ignored directions.
The MT Settebello had a total of 28 crew members on board, including 24 Indians and four foreign nationals from Pakistan, Russia, and Ukraine.
This was the second attack on a vessel carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman this week. Earlier, another Palau-flagged tanker, The Marivex, was also hit by US forces. All Indian crew members from that vessel were rescued safely.
India Condemns the Attack
India strongly condemned the attack and summoned the United States Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi to lodge an official protest.
The Ministry of External Affairs said attacks on commercial shipping and civilian vessels in the region were “deeply worrying”.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman,” the ministry said in a statement.
Indian officials also raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals working on commercial ships in conflict zones.
The government said that attacks endangering Indian sailors were unacceptable and called for immediate de-escalation in the region.
Tensions Continue in the Middle East
The attack comes amid growing tensions in the Middle East following ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, has witnessed increasing military activity in recent weeks.
The US has imposed restrictions on vessels allegedly linked to Iranian oil exports, while Iran has threatened retaliation in the region.
