3rd Vessel With Indian Crew Attacked as 3 Killed in Earlier Strike
The U.S. said its military carried out a "precision" strike on the vessel that failed to follow its instructions and was carrying oil from Iran
New Delhi: Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to raise India’s concerns over the continuing attacks on commercial vessels in West Asia at the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on June 16-17, India on Thursday confirmed the deaths of three Indian nationals in a US naval attack on the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello off the coast of Oman on Tuesday.
The three civilian Indian seafarers, identified as chief engineer Suresh Patnala, fitter S. Chaurasiya and cadet Aditya Sharma, had been missing after the attack. Twenty-one other Indian seafarers on board the vessel were rescued.
On Thursday, another Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel was attacked near the Oman coast, but all 20 Indians on board were rescued. This was the third such attack in three days.
Modi may also raise India’s concerns directly with US President Donald Trump if the two leaders hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters on Thursday that India had summoned United States Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks on Wednesday evening and lodged a strong protest over the US naval attack on the commercial vessel Settebello, in which the three Indian seafarers died.
“We have conveyed our concerns over the string of attacks on commercial vessels and hope and expect that they will come to an end,” he said.
MEA officials said India would place its concerns and views on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz during discussions at a session on West Asia at the G7 Summit, which France is hosting. India has been invited to attend the session along with Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. Modi is expected to strongly convey India’s concerns, as about 3.2 lakh Indian seafarers work on commercial vessels globally.
Earlier in the day, Union ports and shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “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 their bodies were located and identified.”
“This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi government stands firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin. I have directed officials to ensure the immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and the swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites,” he added.
New Delhi has already condemned the attack on the Settebello. According to reports, the US Navy claimed responsibility for the attack on the Palau-flagged oil tanker and said it had been “disabled” for violating the US naval blockade on Iran. The US accused the vessel of transporting oil from Iran.
In a statement on Wednesday evening, New Delhi said, “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and three Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.”
It added, “The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest.”
Commenting on the first incident this week, India had on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Oman for rescuing 24 Indian seafarers from the MT Marivex, a Palau-flagged vessel off the Omani coast on Monday. It said the vessel had been in communication with the United States Navy before the incident in which it was “disabled off the coast of Oman.”
