India on June 11 confirmed that all 3 missing crew members on the chemical ship MT Settebello were killed after a US military attack in the Gulf of Oman, according to the announcement of Minister of Maritime Transport Sarbananda Sonowal.
Mr. Sonowal said the government will ensure the rapid repatriation of the rescued crew members, and bring the bodies of the deceased back to the country.
The ship MT Settebello flying the Palau flag is believed to be carrying 28 crew members, including 24 Indian citizens, when attacked by US troops with a precision target accused of trying to overcome Iran's blockade order. The incident occurred off the coast of Oman. Local authorities rescued 25 people, while 3 people were initially reported missing.
The US Central Command announced this attack in an article on X on June 11 Vietnam time.
This is the 2nd attack targeting commercial transport activities near the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, the MT Marivex, also flying the Palau flag, was attacked. The entire crew of the MT Marivex were Indian and were rescued after the incident.
After the attack on MT Settebello, New Delhi summoned US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks to protest. The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the continuous attacks targeting maritime activities in the region as a "deeply worrying" development and a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict.
In a statement on June 11, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for "immediate de-escalation of tensions" in the region.
India also expressed concern at the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing that many of its citizens have been killed or missing due to attacks in the area.
Indian Ambassador to the United Nations Harish Parvathaneni once again called on all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalating tensions and prioritize ensuring the safety of civilians.
