NEW DELHI: All three Indian sailors who were reported missing after a US attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz have been confirmed dead, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.
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The sailors were among the 24 Indian crew members aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, which came under attack while transiting the Gulf of Oman. Earlier in the day, two sailors had been reported dead while the vessel's chief engineer remained missing. The latest confirmation indicates that the chief engineer is also among the deceased.
"It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after two bodies were recovered... I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites," Sonowal said in a post on X.
