Three missing Indian seafarers onboard MT Settebello confirmed dead: Sonowal

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A file photo of the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello, with 24 Indian seafarers on board, attacked by U.S. forces off the coast of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, on June 10, 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI

Three Indian seafarers onboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, initially reported missing after the U.S. military strike on the commercial vessel off the Omani coast, are now confirmed dead, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday (June 11, 2026) after bodies were located and identified.

“It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello,” Mr. Sonowal said in a social media post.

“Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified,” he added.

The Minister added that this is a “profound loss to our maritime family”.

“The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin,” he added.

Mr. Sonowal said he has 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.

India on Wednesday (June 10, 2026) summoned the U.S. charge d’affaires to strongly protest a U.S. military attack on a commercial vessel off the Oman coast that left three of the 24 Indian crew members missing.

The U.S. Central Command acknowledged the strike, saying the vessel violated the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports by attempting to transport oil from Iran.

“The U.S. Central Command disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces,” it had said in a statement.

In its statement on Wednesday (June 10, 2026), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack.

“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Sette