Three Indian Seafarers Killed in US Strike on MT Settebello; Families Recall Last Phone Calls Before Attack. In

Govt confirms deaths off Oman coast on June 9; 21 crew rescued, MEA summons US diplomat, demands end to ship strikes.

New Delh:- Three Indian seafarers were killed after US forces struck the Palau-flagged merchant tanker _MT Settebello_ off the coast of Oman on June 9, amid an ongoing naval standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. The government confirmed the deaths Thursday, saying 21 of the 24 Indian crew were rescued. 

 Last Phone Calls Before Strike.

Aditya Sharma, 23, had spoken to his father Rajesh Sharma on WhatsApp the day before the attack. He said the ship had received “at least two warnings from the US Navy in the past fortnight” but was still pushing toward the Strait of Hormuz. 

Shivanand Chaurasiya, 37, from Deoria, UP, had called his wife Sushila two days before the strike. He told her he would return soon. His family had been worried due to reports of war and stranded ships. Shivanand was working as Engine Petty Officer (Fitter) on the tanker. 

What Happened to MT Settebello

The US Navy said a US aircraft carried out a precision strike on the Settebello’s engine room “after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions”. It alleged the ship “violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran”. 

The Omani Navy responded to the distress call after the ship reported an engine fire and rescued 21 Indian sailors. Three seafarers previously unaccounted for were declared dead. 

 India Protests, Summons US Envoy.

India summoned the US chargé d’affaires in New Delhi on Wednesday to convey “deepest concerns over the ongoing attacks”. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “These attacks must cease and end.” 

The vessel’s manager, IOS Marine-F.Z.E, called it “unprovoked military action against a civilian merchant vessel” and rejected claims that warnings were ignored. It demanded a full international investigation. 

Families Left With Memories.

Aditya’s father said another ship nearby was attacked the same day but its crew was rescued. Shivanand’s brother Ram Pravesh, who got a welding job in Dubai with Shivanand’s help, was the first to learn his brother was missing. 

Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal called the deaths a “profound loss to our maritime family”.