4 min readJun 11, 2026 08:50 PM IST
First published on: Jun 11, 2026 at 11:22 AM IST
All three Indian sailors, who were reported missing after the US attack on a Palau-flagged ship off the Oman coast, have been confirmed dead, news agency Reuters reported. The US military said it attacked the oil tanker, MT Settebello, after it tried to “violate” the blockade put up by the US outside the Strait of Hormuz, off the Oman coast.
Earlier, Forward Seamen’s Union of India general secretary Manoj Yadav told news agency ANI: “We have been unable to establish a connection with the ship. The latest information I have indicates that two have died, while the Chief Engineer is still reported as missing.”
The deceased were identified as Suresh Patnala, Aditya Sharma (deck cadet) and Shivanand Chaurasiya (fitter).
The vessel owner and the management company are in close coordination with the relevant authorities regarding the ongoing investigation and any further actions required, said a source in the Union Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways. The families of all the deceased seafarers have been informed about their death.
India slams attack on ship
The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday slammed the strike, saying: “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 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation.”
The ministry also voiced concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region.
“The continued attacks on shipping in the region are deeply concerning and are a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict in the area,” the statement said.
India once again urged all sides to reduce tensions and pursue a diplomatic resolution.
“We reiterate our call for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and the successful conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region,” the MEA added.
Sailors’ union says US must have had information on nationalities of sailors
The deceased was of cadet, fitter, and chief engineer rank as per the FSUI. “The three are from Himachal Pradesh, Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh,” Yadav said.
Yadav further said he found it difficult to believe that US naval forces were unaware of the nationalities of those aboard the vessels operating in the area. He suggested that detention could have been an alternative course of action if instructions issued to the ships had not been followed.
“I do not believe the US lacked information about the nationalities of those on board. That is simply not possible. I am fully convinced that US naval forces knew how many Indians and other foreign nationals were on those vessels. If the ships did not comply with instructions, they could have been detained instead,” he said.
Maritime laws require a manifest of sailors on every ship, with their names and nationalities, be filed at every port of arrival and departure.
(With inputs from Vikas Pathak.)
The damaged bridge and deck of MT Settebello, which was attack by US forces (Image: X@fsuiindia) 
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