MT Settebello

Three Indian crew members, including Patnala Suresh, were killed when the US military struck the commercial oil tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident left families grieving and highlighted dangers faced by Indian seafarers amid regional conflicts.

Indian seafarers are dying and stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. Three Indian crew members, including Patnala Suresh, were killed when a US military strike hit the MT Settebello tanker, which US authorities claimed failed to comply with instructions. Over 40 commercial vessels have been attacked since the conflict began on 28 February.

The Indian Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued an advisory to prevent the deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict zones, following a recent US strike on the MT Settebello that resulted in the deaths of three Indians.

The US military struck a Palau-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman, killing three Indian sailors. India summoned the deputy head of the US mission in Delhi after the third such attack this week. The US accused the vessel of violating its Iran port blockade.

Three missing Indian seafarers onboard the MT Settebello have been confirmed dead. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of rescued crew members and the return of the deceased's remains for final rites.

Three Indian sailors on the Palau-flagged commercial vessel MT Settebello, struck by the United States off the coast of Oman, are confirmed dead after being missing following the attack. India’s shipping minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, expressed deep concern over the incident in a statement.