NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Three Indian sailors who went missing after a U.S. military strike on an oil tanker near the Oman coast have been confirmed dead, according to reports and Indian maritime officials.
The sailors were aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello when the vessel came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. The incident has raised concerns about maritime security and the safety of commercial shipping in the region. The U.S. military said it targeted the tanker after the vessel allegedly attempted to violate a blockade outside the Strait of Hormuz.
The deceased sailors were identified as Suresh Patnala, Aditya Sharma, a deck cadet, and Shivanand Chaurasiya, a fitter. All three were Indian nationals. Earlier reports suggested that two crew members had died while another remained missing. However, Reuters later reported that all three missing sailors had been confirmed dead. Forward Seamen’s Union of India General Secretary Manoj Yadav said communication with the vessel had been lost following the attack.
“We have been unable to establish a connection with the ship,” Yadav told ANI earlier. He had initially reported that two sailors were dead and the chief engineer was still missing. According to the union, the deceased sailors were from Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the strike on the commercial vessel. In a statement issued Wednesday, the ministry said 21 of the 24 Indian crew members aboard the tanker had been rescued. The ministry had earlier reported that three Indians were missing following the attack. The Indian Embassy in Oman has been coordinating with Omani authorities and monitoring developments related to the rescue and investigation efforts.
The ministry also expressed concern about the worsening security situation in the region. Officials said repeated attacks on commercial shipping threaten international trade routes and increase risks for civilian seafarers working in the area.
A source in the Union Ministry of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways said the families of the deceased sailors have been informed about their deaths. The vessel’s owner and management company are working closely with relevant authorities as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Authorities have not released further details about the ongoing investigation. Officials continue to assess the events that led to the strike and the resulting loss of life.
The deaths have sparked questions about the handling of commercial vessels operating in conflict-prone waters. Yadav questioned whether U.S. naval forces were aware of the nationalities of the crew members aboard the tanker before launching the strike.
He argued that authorities could have detained the vessel if it failed to follow instructions rather than using force. According to maritime regulations, ships must maintain crew manifests that include the names and nationalities of all sailors on board. Ports typically require these records during arrivals and departures.
Yadav said he believes naval authorities operating in the region had access to such information. His comments have added to calls for greater protection of civilian seafarers working on international shipping routes.
The Ministry of External Affairs urged all parties involved in the regional conflict to reduce tensions and pursue diplomacy. The ministry said ongoing attacks on vessels in the region are a direct result of broader instability and conflict. India called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and stressed the importance of successful negotiations to restore peace and stability.
