Sonowal Confirms Death of Missing Indian Crew Members
A tragic update emerged on Thursday after Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that the three Indian sailors who had gone missing following an attack on the tanker MT Settebello near Oman have been found dead.
The minister described the incident as a devastating blow to India’s maritime community and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased crew members.
“A Profound Loss to Our Maritime Family”
Sharing the information, Sonowal said the missing sailors had been located and identified after search efforts.“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.”
Calling it a major loss for the country’s seafaring fraternity, he added:“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.”
Government Orders Immediate Repatriation
Following confirmation of the deaths, the minister directed officials to facilitate the immediate return of the rescued crew members to India.
He also instructed authorities to ensure that the mortal remains of the deceased sailors are brought back quickly so that their families can perform the final rites without delay.
Attack Triggered Major Rescue Operation
The tanker was carrying 24 Indian crew members when it came under attack near the Gulf of Oman. While 21 sailors were rescued safely, three crew members were initially reported missing, leading to an extensive search operation.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by Indian seafarers working on international shipping routes passing through conflict-prone waters.
India Raises Concerns Over Crew Safety
The development comes amid rising concerns over maritime security in the region. Indian authorities have already expressed strong concern over the attack and stressed the need to protect civilian vessels operating in international waters.
The deaths of the three sailors have sparked fresh calls for greater safeguards for commercial shipping and crew members navigating one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors.
Maritime Community Mourns
The confirmation of the deaths has sent shockwaves through India’s maritime sector, with colleagues and industry representatives mourning the loss of the sailors.
As families await the return of their loved ones, the tragedy has become another painful reminder of the dangers faced by seafarers working far from home in volatile regions of the world.
