3 Indian sailors confirmed dead after US attack on MT Settebello off Oman
Synopsis
Three Indian sailors aboard the MT Settebello are dead after a US military strike in the Gulf of Oman — a stark reminder of the mortal risks commercial crews face as military operations increasingly intersect with civilian shipping lanes. With 24 Indians among the 28-member crew, the incident has prompted the Indian government to fast-track repatriation and raises urgent questions about crew safety in contested waters.
Key Takeaways
Three Indian sailors aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello have been confirmed dead after a US military attack in the Gulf of Oman .
The vessel carried 28 crew members , including 24 Indian nationals and four foreign nationals.
21 Indian sailors were rescued following the attack; three were initially reported missing before their deaths were confirmed.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths on 11 June and called it a ‘profound loss for India’s maritime community.’ The government has directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of survivors and swift return of the mortal remains for final rites.
The US military justified the strike, saying the vessel had violated prescribed instructions, according to reports.
Three Indian sailors aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello have been confirmed dead following a US military attack on the vessel in the Gulf of Oman earlier this week, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed on 11 June. The bodies of all three seafarers, initially reported missing after the strike, have been located and identified, the minister said.
Confirmation and Government Response
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal described the deaths as a “profound loss for India’s maritime community.” In a post on X, Sonowal called the incident “deeply unfortunate” and stated that the government was standing with the bereaved families.
“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,” Sonowal wrote.
Repatriation Steps Under Way
Sonowal confirmed that officials have been directed to ensure the immediate repatriation of rescued crew members and the swift return of the mortal remains of the three deceased sailors for their final rites. “Modi government stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin,” he said.
Crew Composition and the Attack
The MT Settebello carried a total crew of 28 members — 24 Indian nationals and four foreign nationals, comprising two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian, and one Russian — when it came under the US military strike in the Gulf of Oman. Preliminary reports indicated that 21 Indian sailors were rescued from the vessel following the attack, while three remained unaccounted for before their deaths were confirmed.
The US military, according to reports, justified the strike by stating that the vessel had violated prescribed instructions, bringing it under its operational radar. The precise nature of those instructions has not been officially detailed.
What Happens Next
The Indian government’s focus now shifts to the repatriation of both the rescued crew and the mortal remains of the three deceased. The incident is likely to raise fresh questions about the safety of Indian maritime workers in conflict-prone international waters, where commercial vessels have increasingly found themselves in the crossfire of military operations. This comes amid a broader pattern of heightened naval activity in the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters in recent months.
Point of View
Yet has limited leverage when its nationals are caught in military operations conducted by major powers in international waters. The US justification — that the vessel violated prescribed instructions — raises an uncomfortable question: were the crew aware of, or in a position to comply with, those instructions? New Delhi’s response so far has been measured, focused on repatriation rather than accountability. Whether that posture holds as more details emerge will test the government’s stated commitment to protecting its maritime workforce.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Indian sailors on MT Settebello?
Three Indian sailors aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello were confirmed dead after the vessel was attacked by US military forces in the Gulf of Oman. Their bodies were located and identified after they were initially reported missing following the strike.
How many Indians were on the MT Settebello?
The MT Settebello had 24 Indian nationals among its 28-member crew. Of these, 21 were rescued after the attack, three were reported missing, and those three have since been confirmed dead.
Why did the US attack the MT Settebello?
According to reports, the US military stated that the vessel had violated prescribed instructions, which brought it under its operational radar. The specific nature of those instructions has not been officially detailed.
What is the Indian government doing for the affected families?
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed officials to ensure the immediate repatriation of the rescued crew and the swift return of the mortal remains of the three deceased sailors for their final rites. The government has pledged full support to the next of kin.
Who confirmed the deaths of the Indian sailors?
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the deaths on 11 June in a post on X, describing the incident as a profound loss for India’s maritime community.
