India’s shipping minister said two bodies have been recovered, and arrangements are being made for their immediate repatriation.
Three Indian seafarers who were among the 24 crew members aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello and were initially reported missing have now been confirmed dead after the tanker was struck off the coast of Oman in a suspected US missile attack. India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said two bodies have been recovered and arrangements are being made for their immediate repatriation.
India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said that two of the bodies have been recovered and arrangements are being made for their immediate repatriation.
“It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers who were initially reported missing have now been confirmed dead after two bodies were recovered,” Sonowal said in a post on X.
“This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi government stands firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult time and remains fully committed to supporting the next of kin. I have directed officials to ensure the immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and the swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites,” he added.
The United States said its military had carried out a “precision” strike on the vessel after it allegedly failed to comply with instructions and was transporting oil from Iran.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs Additional Secretary (Americas), Nagaraj Naidu, summoned Jason Meeks, the US Chargé d’Affaires, on Wednesday to lodge a protest over the attack on the commercial vessel.
India had strongly condemned the strike on the tanker, which had 24 Indian crew members on board. While 21 Indians were rescued, three were initially reported missing and have now been confirmed dead.
The government also said that the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning and are a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in the area.
