NEW DELHI: Three Indian sailors on a commercial vessel hit by the United States off the coast of Oman are lifeless, New Delhi’s delivery minister mentioned on Thursday (Jun 11).
“It’s deeply unlucky to be taught of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello,” Sarbananda Sonowal mentioned in an announcement, referring to the strike on the vessel a day earlier.
“Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported lacking at the moment are confirmed lifeless after our bodies have been positioned and recognized.”
India’s overseas ministry summoned a prime US diplomat in New Delhi after the US assault on Wednesday on MT Settebello to lodge “a robust protest”.
It was the second reported US assault on a service provider vessel with a predominantly Indian crew this week.
On Jun 8, Omani authorities airlifted 24 Indian sailors off the MT Marivex after a US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker.
Pictures posted on social media by the Ahead Seamen’s Union of India confirmed crew members being winched from the vessel by helicopter as thick black smoke billowed from its bridge and lodging cabins.
Sonowal mentioned that the federal government stood “firmly with the bereaved throughout this tough hour”.
“I’ve directed officers to make sure quick repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal stays of the deceased for his or her remaining rites,” he added.
