3 Indian sailors killed in US attack on tanker off Oman coast
This is a sad story, but it matters for your exam. Three Indian sailors, part of a 24-member Indian crew on the oil tanker MT Settebello, were confirmed dead after the US military attacked the ship off Oman's coast, saying it tried to break the American blockade outside the Strait of Hormuz. India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the strike on a commercial vessel and said 21 Indians were rescued. What this really means is that the Iran-US conflict is now directly hurting Indian citizens at sea. Bottom line for the exam, remember MT Settebello, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and the MEA's formal condemnation.
All three Indian sailors, who were reported missing after the US attack on a Palau-flagged ship off the Oman coast, have been confirmed dead, news agencyReutersreported. The US military said it attacked the oil tanker, MT Settebello, after it tried to “violate” the blockade put up by the US outside the Strait of Hormuz, off the Oman coast.
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Earlier, Forward Seamen’s Union of India general secretary Manoj Yadav told news agencyANI: “We have been unable to establish a connection with the ship. The latest information I have indicates that two have died, while the Chief Engineer is still reported as missing.”
The deceased were identified as Suresh Patnala, Aditya Sharma(deck cadet) and Shivanand Chaurasiya (fitter).
The vessel owner and the management company are in close coordination with the relevant authorities regarding the ongoing investigation and any further actions required, said a source in the Union Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways. The families of all the deceased seafarers have been informed about their death.
The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday slammed the strike, saying: “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.”
Our statement on the attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman ⬇️https://t.co/w405oJsHmZpic.twitter.com/m0U3U81hQn
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia)June 10, 2026
The ministry also voiced concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region.
“The continued attacks on shipping in the region are deeply concerning and are a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in the area,” the statement said.
India once again urged all sides to reduce tensions and pursue a diplomatic resolution.
“We reiterate our call for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and the successful conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region,” the MEA added.
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. The…
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal)June 11, 2026
The deceased was of cadet, fitter, and chief engineer rank as per the FSUI. “The three are from Himachal Pradesh, Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh,” Yadav said.
Yadav further said he found it difficult to believe that US naval forces were unaware of the nationalities of those aboard the vessels operating in the area. He suggested that detention could have been an alternative course of action if instructions issued to the ships had not been followed.
“I do not believe the US lacked information about the nationalities of those on board. That is simply not possible. I am fully convinced that US naval forces knew how many Indians and other foreign nationals were on those vessels. If the ships did not comply with instructions, they could have been detained instead,” he said.
Maritime laws require a manifest of sailors on every ship, with their names and nationalities, be filed at every port of arrival and departure.