Three Indian seafarers died in a US strike on the Palau-flagged vessel MT Settebello near the Oman coast, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed on June 11. The attack marked the second US strike on a vessel in the region within days, raising concerns about maritime security in the area, according to livemint.com.
The US Central Command shared video footage of the MT Settebello moments before the strike on June 9. The Indian government identified the three seafarers as crew members onboard the vessel. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed deep regret over the incident in a social media post, confirming the fatalities and highlighting the government's efforts to repatriate survivors, livemint.com reported.
The strike on MT Settebello follows a recent US attack on another vessel near the Oman coast, intensifying tensions in a critical maritime corridor. The deaths of Indian nationals underscore the risks faced by seafarers amid geopolitical conflicts affecting international shipping lanes. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced protection measures for commercial vessels operating in the region, according to livemint.com.
The Indian government is coordinating with relevant authorities for the repatriation of the deceased seafarers and is monitoring the situation closely. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to engage with international partners to ensure the safety of Indian maritime personnel in conflict zones, as stated by the ministry on June 11.