'With whose permission captain took ship forward': Family of Indian sailor killed in US strike on ship demands probe

NEW DELHI: The family of 24-year-old Aditya Sharma, a deck cadet from Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district who was killed in the attack on MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz, has demanded an inquiry into the incident and sought the return of his mortal remains.

"There is only one demand, we want to know with whose permission the captain took the ship forward. We demand that Anurag Thakur and the Himachal government conduct an inquiry and find those responsible. Our heart is shattered," a family member said.



Aditya was among three Indian seafarers who died after the Palau-flagged MT Settebello came under attack while transiting the Gulf of Oman. The vessel was carrying 24 Indian crew members. Authorities said 21 crew members were rescued, while three initially reported missing were later confirmed dead.

Family members broke down while speaking to reporters and questioned the circumstances surrounding the vessel's movement through the conflict-hit region.

Aditya's uncle said the family spent hours trying to obtain information after learning that he was missing.

"Yesterday, my brother called and told he (Aditya) was missing. I came to Jalandhar. We tried coordinating with the company the whole night, and they cooperated as well. However, they were not revealing anything. He was on probation and was working for six months. Around 1:30-2 am, we got the news. We wish to receive his last remains soon. We demand that our MP, Himachal Pradesh and the external affairs ministry bring back his mortal remains. We also seek information about whether there was an attempt to rescue him or not," he said.

Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal earlier confirmed the deaths of the three Indian seafarers and said the government was taking steps to assist their families.

"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. This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin," Sonowal said in a post on X.

He added, "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."

The tragedy has also devastated families in other parts of the country. In Uttar Pradesh's Deoria district, relatives and neighbours of another deceased seafarer, Shivanand Chaurasia, were left grief-stricken after receiving confirmation of his death.

The ministry of external affairs had earlier said that 21 of the 24 Indian crew members aboard MT Settebello had been rescued and that search and rescue operations were being coordinated with Omani authorities.


"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation," the ministry said.

Expressing concern over the security situation in the region, the ministry added: "The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region."

India also reiterated its call for diplomacy and restraint. "We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region," the MEA said.

The attack on MT Settebello occurred amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest maritime routes. India has also lodged a protest with the United States over the strike, stressing the importance of protecting commercial shipping and the lives of seafarers operating in international waters


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