Indian Seafarers Die in US Strike on Oil Tanker Off Oman

Mumbai, Jun 11 (PTI) There has been no contact with families of the three Indian seafarers who died onboard an oil tanker after a US military strike off the Oman coast, the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) said on Thursday.

The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), in a separate statement, condemned the attack and said all stakeholders should ensure the safety and security of vessels and crew transiting high-risk areas.

The Palau-flagged MT Settebello, carrying Indian crew members, was struck near the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fire on board. The three Indian seafarers onboard the tanker, initially reported missing, were confirmed dead, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said earlier on Thursday.

The tanker had 28 crew members on board at the time, including 24 Indians. Precision munitions were fired into the ship's engine room after it allegedly failed to follow directions.

"The three (deceased) Indians are from Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh," said FSUI General Secretary Manoj Yadav.



"We have not yet established the connection with the family members. We are still waiting some information from Oman," he added.



Yadav also claimed that US naval forces may have been aware of the nationality of those onboard the vessel.

"So many statements have come from US President Donald Trump. It is not going to benefit seafarers," he said.


The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) condemned the attack.



"NUSI strongly condemns the recent attacks on tankers near Oman, which have placed the lives of innocent seafarers in grave danger and once again highlighted the growing risks faced by maritime personnel operating in conflict-prone regions," it said in a statement.



The seafarers' body also appealed to shipowners and managers to strictly comply with international war-risk protocols, maintain transparent communication with crew members and their families, and ensure that all contractual rights relating to war-risk compensation and insurance are fully respected.



These incidents "underscore the escalating dangers faced by seafarers operating in the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz," it said and added that the seafarers are civilian workers who keep the world's trade and energy supply chains moving, and they must never become victims of geopolitical conflict.



"NUSI calls upon all governments, maritime administrations, international organisations, and shipowners to take immediate and coordinated measures to ensure the safety and security of vessels and crew transiting high-risk areas," it stated.



The Union also urged the central Government and the Directorate General of Shipping to continue closely monitoring the evolving situation and to take all necessary steps to safeguard Indian seafarers.