Remains of 2 Indian seafarers killed in US strike near Oman repatriated

The mortal remains of two Indian seafarers who lost their lives in the recent attack on merchant vessel MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman have been repatriated to India, marking a significant development in a tragedy that has sparked diplomatic concern and renewed scrutiny over the safety of civilian shipping in conflict-prone waters.

Confirming the development on Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Oman said, "The mortal remains of Mr. Aditya Sharma and Mr. Shivanand Chaurasiya, who tragically lost their lives in the attack on MT Settebello, have been repatriated to India. Our heartfelt condolences remain with their families during this difficult time".

The repatriation brings closure to weeks of uncertainty and grief for the families of the seafarers, particularly that of 23-year-old deck cadet Aditya Sharma from Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district, whose family had publicly appealed for assistance in bringing his body home for final rites.

Sharma’s father, Rajeev Sharma, had sought intervention from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and MP Anurag Thakur, while demanding clarity over the circumstances that led to the deadly strike.

Family members had said Aditya was expected to return home soon and had extended his assignment aboard the vessel by only a month.

THE DEADLY JUNE 10 ATTACK

The incident occurred on June 10 when MT Settebello, a Palau-flagged oil tanker carrying 24 Indian crew members, came under attack approximately 30 nautical miles off the coast of Sohar in Oman.

According to the Indian Embassy, Oman’s Maritime Security Centre was immediately informed, and local authorities launched search and rescue operations.

While 21 Indian crew members were rescued and have since begun returning home safely, three Indian seafarers died in the incident.

Before their departure, Indian Ambassador to Oman Prashant Pise met the rescued crew members, conveyed his support and commended their resilience during the difficult period.

INDIA-US DIPLOMATIC STRAIN

The deaths triggered strong diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington. India summoned senior US diplomat Jason Meeks and lodged a formal protest over the attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman.

The Ministry of External Affairs described the use of force against civilian shipping as unacceptable and warned that such actions undermine the safety and stability of international maritime commerce.

The US has maintained that its military action targeted vessels allegedly violating a naval blockade and transporting Iranian oil.

However, MT Settebello’s managing company disputed those claims, stating the vessel had remained stationary and received no communication from US forces before the strike.

With nearly 18,000 Indian seafarers operating across the Gulf region and commercial vessels continuing to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, India has reiterated that safeguarding civilian mariners remains a priority.

The repatriation of the two seafarers closes one chapter of the tragedy, but questions over accountability, maritime security and protection of merchant crews are likely to remain at the centre of diplomatic and international attention.

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