US Navy Attack Near Oman Coast Claims Lives of Three Indian Sailors; India Lodges Strong Protest

US Navy Attack:
A shocking incident near the coast of Oman has sparked international controversy after three Indian sailors were reportedly killed in a military strike carried out by the United States Navy on a commercial vessel. The incident has drawn strong reactions from India and raised fresh concerns over maritime security in the Gulf region.

According to information released by US authorities, the oil tanker MT Settebello, sailing under the flag of Palau, allegedly attempted to violate maritime restrictions imposed by the United States. The incident occurred outside the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy and commercial shipping.

US officials claimed that the vessel ignored repeated warnings from the US Navy and failed to alter its course, leading to military action against the ship.

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A total of 24 Indian crew members were reportedly on board the tanker. Following the attack, Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), stated that direct communication with the vessel had not yet been established. However, according to information received by the union, three Indian sailors lost their lives in the incident.

The deceased reportedly included a cadet and a fitter from Himachal Pradesh, Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.

India Expresses Strong Concern

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly condemned the incident and expressed deep concern over the loss of Indian lives.

In an official statement, the MEA confirmed that 21 of the 24 Indian crew members had been rescued safely. The Indian Embassy in Oman is actively coordinating with local authorities, while search and rescue operations continue for a missing crew member.

The ministry also noted that repeated attacks on commercial shipping routes in the region are a matter of serious concern and linked the deteriorating security situation to ongoing regional conflicts. India has urged all concerned nations to reduce tensions immediately and pursue diplomatic solutions to restore stability.

Questions Raised Over US Actions

The incident has also led to criticism from maritime unions and industry representatives. The FSUI questioned whether the US Navy was unaware of the presence of Indian nationals on board the vessel.

Speaking on the issue, Manoj Yadav stated that international maritime regulations require ships to submit complete crew details, including nationality information, at ports during their voyage. He argued that authorities would likely have had access to such information.

Yadav further questioned why the vessel was not intercepted or seized instead of being subjected to direct military action, describing the incident as a tragic loss of innocent lives.

Maritime Security Concerns Intensify

The incident has once again highlighted growing security concerns in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and surrounding shipping routes. Rising tensions and conflict in West Asia have increased risks for commercial vessels operating in the region.

Under international maritime regulations, ships are required to provide detailed crew manifests, including names, positions, and nationalities of all personnel. The latest incident has reignited debate over the safety of international shipping lanes and the protection of civilian maritime workers amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

With Indian sailors among the victims, global attention is now focused on India’s diplomatic response and the broader implications for maritime security and international relations in the region.