New Delhi/Muscat June 11: Three Indian seafarers who were initially reported missing following an attack on the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman have been confirmed dead, prompting renewed concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Gulf region.
The deaths were confirmed on Thursday by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, who described the incident as a profound loss for India’s maritime community.
In a statement posted on social media, Sonowal said the bodies of all three missing sailors had been located and identified.
“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,” the minister said.
He added that the Centre had directed officials to ensure the immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members as well as the swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased to their families for final rites.
The MT Settebello was carrying a crew of 28 members when it came under attack in the Gulf of Oman. The crew included 24 Indian nationals and four foreign nationals – two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian and one Russian.
According to preliminary information, 21 Indian crew members were rescued following the incident, while the three others were initially listed as missing before their deaths were confirmed.
The attack has drawn international attention after the United States acknowledged carrying out military action against the vessel. American authorities stated that the tanker had failed to comply with instructions issued by US forces operating in the region and was subsequently targeted.
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments passes.
Expressing condolences, Sonowal said the government was standing firmly with the bereaved families and remained committed to supporting the next of kin during the difficult period.
“This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi Government stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin,” he said.
The tragedy comes as another vessel-related incident has been reported off the coast of Oman, raising fresh concerns over maritime safety in the region.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it had received reports of an incident involving a vessel near Shinas Port and was coordinating with local authorities to gather more information.
“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,” the embassy said in a statement.
The latest development marks the third vessel-related incident reported off Oman within days.
The first involved MT Marivex, where a fire broke out south of the Strait of Hormuz on June 8 while carrying 24 Indian seafarers. Indian authorities said all crew members were safe and investigations were underway to determine the cause of the fire.
The second was the attack on MT Settebello on June 10, which has now resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors.
The fresh report from Shinas has heightened concerns among maritime authorities and governments monitoring the increasingly volatile situation in the Gulf region.
The incidents have also renewed calls for stronger protections for civilian shipping and seafarers operating along critical international trade routes.
As investigations continue and authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks and other vessel incidents, attention remains focused on ensuring the safety of crew members navigating one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
