As the West Asia conflict escalates viciously, in a tragic incident, three Indian seafarers have died in the Gulf of Oman. The seafarers went missing after the US military strike hit the vessel. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonawal confirmed the death of the three seafarers as an impact of the US strike on the oil tanker. The death of the Indian seafarers reflects the spiking intensity of the war between US-Israel and Iran, with massive regional repercussions.
The oil tanker named MT SETTEBELLO was sailing off the coast of Oman and was struck by a US projectile on June 10, Wednesday. The commercial vessel immediately caught fire and among the 24 crew members onboard, 21 were safely evacuated and rescued. However, 3 seafarers went missing. These 3 missing seafarers are now declared as “dead”, by the Ministry of Shipping.
The US Military confirmed that the strikes were unleashed by an American fighter jet which was intended to block the Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Indian crew members urged for immediate help as the US military strike attacked the vessel. “US Navy attack, the missile on our engine room. We have a hole at the bottom… 24 crew. All crew Indian. Please help quickly, we need immediate help”, the crew member added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs lodged a strong protest about the attack on the vessel that was carrying Indian-seafarers. “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and three Indians are reportedly missing”, MEA had reported in its statement earlier on Wednesday.
MEA also reiterated that the attack on the commercial ship and the casualties on Indian seafarers is a direct impact of the escalating conflict in West Asia. “The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region”, the ministry further added in its statement. “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 statement asserted while calling for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the solution for the conflict.
“Targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest”, MEA statement said while condemning the attack on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure as an impact of the war. MEA thus re-emphasized the importance of safe navigation of vessels.
