Want to know what exactly happened: Family of Indian sailor killed in US strike

The family of Aditya Sharma, the 23-year-old sailor killed in a strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman, has appealed for the swift repatriation of his body, with his father urging Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and MP Anurag Singh Thakur to help bring him home for his last rites.

A pall of gloom descended on Hareta village in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district after relatives were informed of his death on Wednesday. Villagers gathered at the family's residence to offer condolences and support.

Aditya, a deck cadet on probation, was among three crew members who lost their lives when the oil tanker came under attack during the US naval blockade off the coast of Oman. There were 24 Indian crew members on board, of whom 21 were rescued.

According to reports, the vessel was targeted during a US military operation, while the tanker was also allegedly attacked by an African force.

'WAS EXPECTED TO RETURN HOME SOON'

Aditya's father, Rajeev Sharma, said his son was expected to return home soon and called for a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. "We want to know what exactly happened in the final moments before the attack," he said.

His grandfather, Ashok Sharma, questioned the decisions taken by the ship's command. "We want to know why the vessel continued its journey despite warnings. We demand a proper inquiry into the incident," he told India Today TV.

Family members said Aditya had initially planned to return home in May but chose to extend his stint aboard the vessel by another month.

"We are trying to bring our boy's body home so that we can perform his last rites," said his uncle, Sanjay Lakhanpal. He added that the family had approached Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur, Chief Minister Sukhu and the central government seeking assistance in expediting the repatriation process.

HIMACHAL CM, BJP MP CONDOLE DEATH

Expressing grief over Sharma's death,BJP MP Thakur said he had spoken to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and requested intervention through the Indian Embassy in Oman to coordinate with local authorities and the shipping company for the early return of the body.

Chief Minister Sukhu also conveyed his condolences and said the state government stood firmly with the bereaved family during this difficult time. He directed the district administration to extend all possible assistance to the family.

INDIA CONDEMNS US NAVAL STRIKE

According to the United States, its military carried out a "precision strike" on the vessel after it allegedly failed to comply with instructions. Washington also claimed that the tanker was transporting oil from Iran.

Following the incident, New Delhi summoned the US Deputy Chief of Mission and lodged a strong protest over the strike.

Nagaraj Naidu, Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs, summoned Jason Meeks, the US Charg d'Affaires, after the attack on the tanker Settebello.

India strongly condemned the strike and expressed concern over the safety of Indian nationals aboard the vessel.

India further emphasised that global trade routes must be protected from geopolitical fallout. The government demanded an immediate end to the targeting of civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping, urging the international community to ensure free, unimpeded navigation through vital waterways in strict accordance with international maritime law.

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(With inputs from Ashok Rana)