Government on High Alert Following Attack on Indian Seafarers
The Indian government is prioritizing the safety of its seafarers in the Gulf region after the tragic death of three Indian sailors during a recent ship attack in the Gulf of Oman. On Thursday, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways announced measures to closely monitor the situation, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. The government is coordinating efforts with maritime authorities of allied nations and shipping companies to ensure the support and safety of Indian seafarers.
The sailors who lost their lives have been identified as Patnala Suresh (44), Aditya Sharma (23), and Shivanand Chaurasia (38). They were aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello when it was reportedly hit by a US jet amid ongoing tensions related to Iran.
In light of these events, officials acknowledged the growing risks to commercial shipping in the area. They urged all relevant agencies to stay vigilant and ready to react to any situation affecting Indian maritime interests. Seafarers traveling through these troubled waters, whether on Indian or foreign ships, were advised to exercise caution. Vessel operators and shipping companies were instructed to adhere to maritime protocols to ensure the safety of their crew.
The government has also set up dedicated communication channels to offer around-the-clock support for sailors.
Recent Attacks on Vessels Cause Alarm
India’s concerns over the safety of maritime operations have escalated after three vessels with Indian crew members faced attacks in the Gulf of Oman this week.
The first incident involved the Palau-flagged Marivex, an unladen oil tanker accused by the US of trying to breach a naval blockade to reach an Iranian port. Fortunately, all 24 Indian crew members on board were rescued.
The second incident involved the MT Settebello, the vessel tied to the deaths of the three Indian sailors. Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed profound sorrow over the loss, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the families affected by this tragedy.
One of the deceased was a marine engineer from Visakhapatnam, another was an engine fitter from Uttar Pradesh, and the third, from Himachal Pradesh, was in training as a deck cadet.
A third vessel, the Guinea Bissau-flagged Jalveer, was also attacked by US forces, but all 20 Indian nationals on board were reported safe. This vessel usually carries freight from the United Arab Emirates to India.
Increased Tensions and Military Actions
US President Donald Trump remarked on the ongoing military actions in the region during a press conference, highlighting the strikes on commercial vessels in the Gulf. He stated that numerous ships had been targeted discreetly, mentioning, “We’ve been taking out many ships that nobody knew… We bombed their radar so they couldn’t see what was going on.”
According to US CENTCOM, since the naval blockade began in April, a total of nine non-compliant vessels have been neutralized, 135 ships redirected, and 42 vessels carrying humanitarian aid have been permitted to pass.
