Bodies of two Indian sailors killed in US attack in Gulf of Oman brought to India, families get relief

Knews Desk- The bodies of two Indian sailors killed in the alleged US attack on merchant tanker MT Setebello in the Gulf of Oman have been brought back to India. The deceased have been identified as Aditya Sharma and Shivanand Chaurasia. With the bodies reaching India, the families’ long-standing uncertainty has ended, although the incident has once again raised serious questions over maritime security and the safety of civilian vessels amid international tensions.

The Indian Embassy informed that the mortal remains of both the sailors have been sent to India and expressed its deepest condolences to their families in this difficult time. The incident occurred on June 10 when the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Setebello was attacked about 30 nautical miles off the coast of Sohar, Oman.

There were a total of 24 Indian crew members on board the ship. Oman Maritime Security Center was immediately informed after the incident, following which the local administration and rescue teams launched an operation. During this period, 21 Indian sailors were rescued safely, while three Indians died. Aditya Sharma, who was among the dead, was a resident of Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh and was working as a deck cadet. His family had continuously appealed to bring the body to India for the last rites. It is being told that Aditya’s tenure on the ship was extended for only one month and he was going to return home soon.

The family of Shivanand Chaurasia has also got a great relief from the return of his mortal remains, although there is deep mourning in both the families. This incident has not only affected the families, but has also raised serious concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers working in international waterways. The government and concerned agencies are now busy investigating the entire matter and reviewing the circumstances.