GUWAHATI: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Thursday, June 11, expressed grief over the deaths of three Indian seafarers aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello, which came under attack amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
In a post on X, Sonowal said the three Indian crew members who were initially reported missing have now been confirmed dead after their bodies were 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," he wrote.
The minister said he has directed officials to ensure the immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and the swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased to India for their last rites.
Describing the incident as a "profound loss" to the maritime community, Sonowal said the government stands firmly with the bereaved families and remains committed to supporting the next of kin.
According to reports, the MT Settebello came under attack on Wednesday after the United States military accused the vessel of failing to comply with directions issued by American forces. The tanker was allegedly attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of a US-imposed blockade.
There were 24 Indian crew members on board the vessel. While 21 were rescued, three lost their lives in the incident.
The attack marks the second such incident involving a vessel with an Indian crew this week. On Monday, another Palau-flagged oil tanker, The Marivex, was reportedly targeted by US forces in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly failed to comply with American instructions.
All 24 crew members aboard The Marivex were rescued by the Omani military, according to Indian authorities.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated that since the blockade began on April 13, American forces have disabled eight vessels and redirected 134 others.
The Indian government has reiterated its position that commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure should not be targeted amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
Meanwhile, tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate despite a fragile ceasefire reached earlier this year. Both countries have exchanged strikes for a second consecutive day, raising concerns about further instability in the region.
The conflict began on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory attacks against Israel and US-aligned states in the Gulf, leading to a broader regional escalation.
