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Three tankers carrying Indian crew members have reportedly come under attack in the Gulf of Oman in recent days, resulting in the deaths of three Indian sailors.
Reports indicate that three Indian seafarers were killed after a tanker was struck by the US military in the Sea of Oman amid efforts to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports. The vessel, MT Settebello, was attacked on June 10, while carrying 24 Indian crew members. Twenty-one of them were rescued, while three lost their lives.
The fatalities have been identified as Aditya Sharma, a cadet; Shivanand Chaurashiya, a fitter; and Patnala Suresh, the chief engineer. Arrangements are reportedly underway to repatriate their bodies to India.
The Settebello is the third vessel with Indian crew members to be involved in a military incident in the Gulf region this week. Earlier, the tanker Marivex was struck and subsequently sank after its crew of 24 Indians were rescued. Another vessel, MT Jalveer, also came under attack near Oman’s Shinas port, although all 20 crew members aboard were reported safe.
According to reports, the US military targeted the Settebello after alleging that the vessel repeatedly failed to comply with instructions. The strike reportedly hit the ship’s engine room. Similar circumstances were cited in the attack on the Marivex earlier in the week.
Indian authorities have expressed concern over the incidents and reportedly lodged a formal protest with the United States following the attack on the Settebello. Concerns were raised about the safety of Indian nationals serving aboard commercial vessels operating in the region.
The Royal Navy of Oman is understood to have assisted in rescue and evacuation operations involving the affected ships. Although the vessels were registered under foreign flags, the majority of their crew members were Indian nationals.
The incidents come amid heightened tensions in the region following the disruption of shipping routes linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The United States has intensified efforts to enforce restrictions on maritime traffic connected to Iranian ports, resulting in the interception, disabling, or diversion of numerous vessels operating in the Gulf region.
Reports suggest that more than 18,000 Indian seafarers are currently working aboard vessels across the Gulf, including hundreds operating in and around the Sea of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. The recent attacks have renewed concerns about the safety of commercial shipping and civilian maritime personnel navigating one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
