The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday confirmed the identities of three Indian seafarers who lost their lives in the attack on the vessel MT Settebello. Efforts are underway to repatriate their mortal remains to India at the earliest, the MEA stated.
Details of the Attack and Vessels Involved
Responding to queries during an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed that the attack on MT Jalveer was carried out by the US Navy operating in the region. He clarified that the three ships involved in the incidents are foreign-flagged. Two of the vessels are registered under the Palau flag, while the third, attacked on Thursday, is Guinea-flagged. Jaiswal emphasized that these are not Indian-owned ships.
Jaiswal further noted that two of the vessels are under sanctions imposed by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and one is categorized as a non-compliant ship.
Identification and Repatriation of Deceased Crew
On the deceased Indian crew members from the MT Settebello attack, the MEA spokesperson confirmed that the identification process has been completed. The focus now is on sending their mortal remains to India as soon as possible.
MT Jalveer Incident and Evacuation Efforts
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways reported no casualties or injuries in the maritime security incident involving bitumen tanker MT Jalveer. Smoke was detected due to a fire in the engine room off the coast of Oman, near Shinas port. Evacuation is currently underway, with six more crew members yet to be evacuated.
Addressing the interministerial briefing, Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal stated that the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel was carrying 20 Indian seafarers. All crew members are safe, and evacuation to Shinas port has commenced. The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the MEA, Indian missions abroad, the Indian Navy, and other stakeholders.
The MEA reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers abroad and is in continuous contact with relevant authorities to resolve the situation.
