Three missing Indian seafarers onboard MT Settebello confirmed dead

Three Indian seafarers onboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, initially reported missing after the US military strike on the commercial vessel off Oman coast, are now confirmed dead, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday after bodies were located and identified. It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, Sonowal said in a social media post. "The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin," he added.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.

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.

This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The…

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) June 11, 2026

India on Wednesday summoned the US charge d'affaires to strongly protest a US military attack on a commercial vessel off the Oman coast that left three of the 24 Indian crew members missing. In its statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack. "We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and three Indians are reportedly missing," it had said.
The US Central Command acknowledged the strike, saying the vessel violated the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports by attempting to transport oil from Iran."The US Central Command disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A US 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.
Indian sailor Shivanand Chaurasia, one of three sailors killed in the attack on oil tanker MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz, was from Deoria district of uttar Pradesh. Deoria DM Madhusudan Hulgi says, "It has come to notice that reports of missing persons and deaths from our district have emerged. We will confirm this and request support from the state government and the Government of India. Whatever help the family requires will be provided through the district administration and the state government.

#WATCH | Deoria, UP: On Indian sailor Shivanand Chaurasia, one of three sailors killed in the attack on oil tanker MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz, Deoria DM Madhusudan Hulgi says, "... It has come to notice that reports of missing persons and deaths from our district… pic.twitter.com/ays0jNNoh2

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 11, 2026

Sea-farer Aditya Sharma from Himachal Pradesh also dies in an attack on Palau-flagged MT Settebello near Strait of Hormuz. His father, Rajesh Sharma, says, "I appeal to MP Anurag Thakur, CM Sukhu, EAM Dr S Jaishankar and PM Modi to help me get the mortal remains of my child. 
The incident came amid renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel. Israel carried out air strikes in western and central Iran after Iran fired missiles at northern Israel.Talks during a fragile ceasefire in place over recent weeks have failed to deliver a deal to reopen the strait. While Iran has blockaded the shipping lane since the war began, the US has also enforced its own competing blockade since April.