Tragedy At Sea: Two Missing Indian Crew Members Confirmed Dead After Tanker Attack Near Oman
A tragic development has emerged from the attack on the oil tanker Settebello near the coast of Oman, with two Indian crew members who were earlier reported missing now confirmed dead. Another Indian sailor, serving as the vessel's chief engineer, remains untraceable as search efforts continue.
The tanker was carrying 24 Indian crew members when it came under attack in waters near Oman. While 21 Indians were rescued safely, three crew members initially went missing during the incident.
The confirmation of the deaths has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping routes in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, which have witnessed heightened tensions in recent weeks.
The latest casualties have added to the growing toll on Indian nationals affected by the ongoing conflict in the region. Reports indicate that several Indians have been killed or injured in various incidents linked to military operations and attacks on commercial vessels since the conflict escalated.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and confirmed that Indian authorities were coordinating closely with Omani officials to trace the missing crew members.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman,” the ministry had said, adding that efforts were underway to assist the affected crew and their families.
The Forward Seamen's Union of India described the deaths as a major loss for the maritime community and urged stronger measures to ensure the safety of Indian sailors working in conflict-prone waters.
As rescue teams continue their search for the missing chief engineer, the incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by thousands of Indian seafarers operating on international shipping routes passing through one of the world's most volatile regions.
