Three Indian sailors were killed following a US attack on the commercial vessel MT Settebello, which flies the flag of Palau, off the coast of Oman, confirmed Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday. The incident, which the minister described as “deeply regrettable” and “tragic”, occurred on Wednesday. Earlier reports indicated that three Indian sailors from the MT Settebello had gone missing, but their bodies have now been found and identified.
In response to the attack on the MT Settebello on Wednesday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior US diplomat in Delhi to express “strong protest”. This incident marks the second US attack on a trade vessel with a predominantly Indian crew within a week.
Incident with MT Marivex and Evacuation
On Monday, Omani authorities evacuated 24 Indian sailors from the tanker MT Marivex, also under the flag of Palau, following a US strike. Images shared on social media by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India showed crew members being lifted off the vessel by helicopter, with thick black smoke billowing from the ship’s bridge and living quarters.
Minister Sonowal stated that the government “stands firmly with those affected in this difficult hour”. He also instructed officials to ensure the immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and the swift return of the remains of the deceased for their last rites.
Source: News