Three Indian sailors killed after Merchant vessel targeted off Oman's port by US military
Three sailors were killed after Merchant vessel targeted off Oman's Shinas port. The officials have been directed to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members.
Three Indian sailors killed after Merchant vessel targeted off Oman's Shinas port, third such attack(Photo Credit: Representational/IANS)
Three Indian seafarers onboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, who were earlier reported missing after the US military strike on the commercial vessel off the Oman coast, are now confirmed dead, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.
Confirming the tragic incident, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, "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. This is a profound loss to our maritime family."
Three missing Indian seafarers onboard MT Settebello confirmed dead
The officials have been directed to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members. Sonowal stated, "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." The incident relates to an attack on the MT Settebello, which had 24 Indian crew members onboard. Of these, 21 were rescued while three were initially reported missing.
In the Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh, the family of one of the deceased seafarers, Shivanand Chaurasia, was left devastated after confirmation of his death.
Earlier today, the Embassy of India in Oman said it was monitoring a situation concerning a vessel near Shinas port. The mission stated via X that it was coordinating with Omani authorities to obtain additional details and assess the circumstances surrounding the case.
Taking to X, the Embassy of India in Oman said, "We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off Shinas port of Oman, earlier today. We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details."
Previously, India strongly condemned the attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, following which three Indian crew members are still reportedly missing.
"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It added that the continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region.
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