India announces death of 3 of its sailors in US attack

NEW DELHI, June 11 (YPA) – Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonwal announced on Thursday that three Indian sailors were killed in an attack by the US military on a merchant ship near the Strait of Hormuz that had 24 Indian sailors on board.

Sonwal wrote on the X platform, “It is with deep regret that we hear of the tragic incident on board the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Setibello. Sadly, the deaths of three Indian sailors initially reported missing have been confirmed after the recovery of two bodies.”

He added, “This is a great loss to our naval family. The Modi government stands firmly by the bereaved families during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the victims’ relatives.”

Sonwal confirmed that he had instructed officials to ensure the immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and the swift return of the deceased for burial.

Earlier, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced that it had summoned the US chargé d’affaires to protest the attack on the oil tanker.

The ministry added, “Our embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and is proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities on the ongoing search and rescue operation.”

YPA