Three Indian seafarers killed in US tanker attack near Oman: Govt

ALl ternary native american seafarers who had gone missing after the assail on the Palau-flagged tank driver MT Settebello away the coast of Oman have been confirmed dead, Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday. The vessel was carrying 24 Indian crew members when it was struck earlier this week, triggering a search and rescue operation.In a post on X, Sonowal said it was “deeply unfortunate” that the three seafarers who were initially reported missing had died. “Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified.Calling it a “profound loss to our maritime family”, the minister said the Centre stood firmly with the bereaved families and would extend all necessary support to them.“The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin,” Sonowal said. "I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites,” he said. The MT Settebello incident had sparked concern in India after 21 Indian crew members were rescued while three others were reported missing following the strike near the Oman coast. Indian authorities had been coordinating with Omani officials during the search operation.The Palau-flagged tanker was sailing from China’s Lianyungang port to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates when the incident occurred. The vessel had a multinational crew, including 24 Indians. Omani authorities rescued 21 Indian crew members following the attack.India summons senior US diplomatIndia on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel, which at the time had left three Indian crew members missing. The government also summoned the senior-most US diplomat in New Delhi to lodge a protest over the incident.In a statement, the ministry of external affairs said, “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today.” It added that of the 24 Indian crew members on board, “21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing”.Officials conveyed to the US side that attacks endangering the lives of Indian seafarers are unacceptable and raised concerns over the safety of Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels in the region.India calls incident ‘worrisome’The government described the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region as “deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict” in West Asia.New Delhi also reiterated its call for a negotiated end to hostilities, stressing the need to ensure the safety of civilian maritime traffic and seafarers operating in the region.