By Kashmira Konduparty
Three Indian seafarers who were reported missing after a U.S. military strike on the tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman have been confirmed dead, according to India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The announcement came after additional bodies were recovered from the vessel, ending hopes of finding the missing crew members alive.
The Palau-flagged MT Settebello was struck earlier this week off the coast of Oman. The tanker carried 28 crew members, including 24 Indians. Initial reports indicated that three Indian sailors were missing following the attack, while the remaining crew members were rescued.
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The U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out a “precision” strike on the vessel. According to U.S. officials, the tanker failed to comply with repeated instructions from American forces and was transporting Iranian oil. CENTCOM said munitions were fired into the ship’s engine room after the vessel allegedly ignored multiple warnings.
Sonowal said all three missing Indian seafarers had been confirmed dead following recovery and identification efforts. He described the incident as a tragic loss for India’s maritime community. The government said arrangements were being made to repatriate the surviving crew members as well as the bodies of those who died.
India lodged a strong diplomatic protest with the United States following the strike. New Delhi summoned a senior U.S. diplomat to convey its objections and seek an explanation. Indian officials also raised concerns about the safety of the country’s seafarers operating in the region.
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The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf and ongoing U.S. efforts to enforce restrictions on Iran-linked shipping. It is one of several recent incidents involving merchant vessels with Indian crew members on board. India’s shipping ministry said it is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, shipping companies, and international maritime authorities to monitor developments.
India supplies a significant share of the global maritime workforce, with thousands of Indian seafarers employed on international commercial vessels. The deaths have renewed concerns about the risks faced by Indian crew members working along conflict-prone shipping routes. Maritime unions and industry groups have called for stronger protections for civilian sailors operating in the Gulf region.
Authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the strike and its aftermath. India has urged de-escalation and a return to diplomatic dialogue in the region. The government said it remains focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian nationals working aboard merchant ships worldwide.