All three Indian sailors missing after US attack on tanker near Oman dead, Sonowal confirms

New Delhi, June 11. Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday confirmed that three Indian sailors who were missing following the US military attack on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman have died.

Sarbananda Sonowal wrote on social media platform Sadly, three Indian sailors, initially reported missing, have been confirmed dead. Their bodies have been found and identified.

It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified.

This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The…

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) June 11, 2026

Sonowal said, ‘This is a huge loss for our maritime family. The Modi government stands strongly with the bereaved family in this difficult time and is fully committed to providing all possible help to their families. He also said that he has directed the officials to make arrangements for the immediate return home of the rescued crew members and to bring back the bodies of the deceased for cremation at the earliest.

It is noteworthy that the sailors had gone missing after the US Army attacked the tanker near Oman. According to the US, its forces launched a ‘precision’ attack on the ship after it did not follow instructions. According to media reports, America also said that the tanker was carrying oil from Iran.

India lodged a protest

According to reports, India on Wednesday summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over the attack on a commercial ship off the coast of Oman. There were 24 Indian crew members on board this ship.