Two Indian crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Settebello, which came under attack off the coast of Oman, have been confirmed dead, while another Indian sailor remains missing, according to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI).
The Palau-flagged oil tanker was reportedly attacked by US forces after it allegedly attempted to breach a maritime blockade near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
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FSUI General Secretary Manoj Yadav said communication with the vessel has been disrupted since the incident and that preliminary information indicates the deaths of two Indian crew members.
“We have been unable to establish contact with the ship. The latest information suggests that two crew members have been killed, while the Chief Engineer is still missing,” Yadav was quoted as saying.
According to the union, the deceased sailors were serving as a cadet and a fitter. The three Indian crew members initially reported missing belong to Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel and expressed serious concern over the safety of Indian nationals onboard.
In an official statement, the ministry said that of the 24 Indian crew members on the vessel, 21 had been rescued while three were initially reported missing.
The MEA added that the Indian Embassy in Oman is in close coordination with Omani authorities and is actively monitoring the ongoing search and rescue operations.
Describing the repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region as deeply concerning, the government said the deteriorating maritime security situation is a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
India reiterated its call for immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to restore peace and stability in the region.
Commenting on the incident, Manoj Yadav questioned whether the use of force was necessary, arguing that international maritime procedures provide mechanisms to detain vessels suspected of violating regulations rather than resorting to military action.
“I do not believe the US naval forces were unaware of the nationalities of the crew onboard. Maritime regulations require complete crew manifests, including names and nationalities, to be filed at ports. If the vessel had failed to comply with instructions, it could have been detained,” he said.
The incident has further heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers operating in the Gulf region, where geopolitical tensions have escalated significantly in recent months.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
