Three Indian sailors were killed in a US strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, India's shipping minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed on Thursday before a fire broke out on a second tanker.
A US missile hit the MT Settebello, which had at least 20 Indian crew members on board, near the Strait of Hormuz early on Wednesday. While most sailors were rescued, Shivang Chaurasia, Aditya Sharma, and the chief engineer Patnala Suresh were reported missing.
“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 two bodies were recovered,” Mr Sonowal announced.
“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 added.
The US had claimed it carried out a “precision” strike on the ship, which it accused of transporting oil from Iran and failing to follow instructions. New Delhi lodged a formal protest over the attack.
Manoj Yadav, general secretary of the Forward Seamen's Union of India, told The National that two sailors had died immediately and the search for the chief engineer, Mr Suresh, would continue until his body was recovered.
The attack occurred while the vessel was transiting the Gulf of Oman amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. There have been repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the strait, a key shipping route, since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began on February 28.
The US military’s Central Command said that it fired a “precision munition” into the ship’s engine as the vessel violated the US blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.
India’s foreign ministry condemned the attack and raised concerns over the continuing strikes on shipping in the region. Late on Wednesday, New Delhi summoned the US charge d'affaires, Jason Meeks, and delivered a demarche over the strike.
“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest,” the ministry said.
On Thursday, India's embassy in Oman said it was monitoring an incident involving a vessel off the Omani port of Shinas and was co-ordinating with local authorities to gather further information.
UKMTO received a report of an incident north-east of Sohar. Local authorities reported that a fire broke out in the tanker's engine room. It was not immediately clear what caused the incident.
The families of the three Indian sailors expressed grief and anger over their deaths.
“I spoke to my husband a day before the attack. I was worried for him and had warned him to return home because attacks on ships were increasing,” Bhargavi Suresh, wife of the ship's chief engineer, told The National.
“We are still trying to grasp what has happened. This is shocking. But we have not heard anything, no information, from the government,” the mother of two sons, aged 10 and 13, said. She added that Mr Suresh had been working with the shipping company for the past 12 years.
Mr Chaurasia’s family learnt about the attack through his younger brother, Ram Pravesh Chaurasia, who works in Dubai. The 33-year-old engine fitter reportedly had left home eight months ago.
Aditya Sharma’s father, Rajesh Sharma, demanded that the government takes action against the shipping company. He had earlier posted a message on X alleging “exploitation” of his son, a deck cadet, by a senior on the ship.
“The captain continued to sail the ship and was under pressure” despite the blockade, Mr Sharma told Indian TV news channel WION. He criticised the US military action and demanded an investigation.
“The US military has taken a stance, not the right way to control a commercial ship. They should follow marine law and international law. Dropping a missile is not the option,” he added.
At least 43 ships have been attacked since February in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to the International Maritime Organisation.
