Published Jun 11, 2026 | 9:20 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 11, 2026 | 5:59 PM
Oil tanker Settebello was attacked by US forces off the coast of Oman.
Synopsis: Three Indian seafarers who were reported missing after an attack on the oil tanker by US forces off the coast of Oman have been confirmed dead. India has also summoned the US Embassy’s deputy chief of mission in New Delhi, following the attack.
Three Indian seafarers, who were reported missing after an attack on the oil tanker MT Settebello by US forces off the coast of Oman, have been confirmed dead by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) on Thursday, 11 June.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths and said the bodies have been located and identified.
“This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin. 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 tweeted.
On Wednesday, India—in a first during President Trump’s second term—had summoned a top US diplomat. Jason Meeks, the US Embassy’s deputy chief of mission in New Delhi, was told about India’s concerns over the attack on the commercial ship by American forces.
Twenty-one of the 24 Indian seafarers on the Settebello were rescued.
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Manoj Yadav, general secretary of Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), identified the three dead as Aditya Sharma, deck cadet, Shivanand Chaurasiya, engine fitter, and Patnala Suresh, chief engineer.
On Wednesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had issued a statement condemning the attack on the commercial vessel.
Jaiswal, on behalf of the Indian government, called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. 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,” he said in the statement.
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had carried out a “precision” strike on the MT Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman transporting Iranian oil on Tuesday evening, claiming the crew failed to comply with instructions from US forces.
The attack was part of an ongoing US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
