Tragic Maritime Attack on MT Jalveer: Indian Lives Lost, Safety Measures Underway

Three Indian seafarers lost their lives in a US Navy attack on MT Settebello. Efforts continue to repatriate their remains. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that vessels were foreign-flagged, with two under US sanctions. No casualties reported for MT Jalveer. Evacuations and monitoring are ongoing.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the tragic loss of three Indian seafarers in an attack by the US Navy on the vessel MT Settebello. Efforts are ongoing to repatriate their remains to India. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared updates at an inter-ministerial briefing on West Asian developments.

Speaking on the incident, Jaiswal explained the involvement of foreign-flagged ships, two registered under Palau and the third under Guinea. The attacked ships, not owned by India, included ones under US Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions and another marked as non-compliant.

Separately, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways reported that no casualties occurred in a maritime incident involving MT Jalveer near Oman's Shinas port. The bitumen tanker's fire is under control, with evacuations in progress. Collaborative efforts with the Indian Navy and foreign missions are critically ongoing.