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Three Indian seafarers initially reported missing after a U.S. military strike on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman have been confirmed dead, with two bodies recovered, India's Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced Thursday.
The incident marks the eighth merchant vessel disabled by U.S. forces in regional waters, coming as Iran simultaneously declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all vessel traffic until further notice.
"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 bodies have been located and identified. This is a profound loss to our maritime family," Sonowal wrote on X.
"The Modi govt. stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin. 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," he added.
He said he had directed officials to ensure the immediate repatriation of rescued crew members and the swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their last rites.
The location of the third body was not immediately clear.
Twenty-one other crew members were rescued. India's Foreign Ministry had earlier said three nationals were missing but did not reference the U.S. military or the blockade in its statement.
India's embassy in Oman also acknowledged an incident. Still, it's unclear if it's referring to the same vessel, saying, "We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off Shinas port of Oman, earlier today . We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details."
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces fired "precise munitions" into the engine room of the MT Settebello after the vessel attempted to transport Iranian oil in violation of the ongoing blockade.
CENTCOM said American forces warned the crew before firing on the ship.
The MT Settebello is the eighth merchant vessel disabled by U.S. forces in waters off Iran since the blockade was imposed.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy announced Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz was closed to vessel traffic until further notice, citing repeated U.S. ceasefire violations.
The statement warned that no vessel should leave its anchorage in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman and that "approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy."
The IRGC Navy said the closure was a direct response to the U.S. military's continued attacks on Iranian territory.
The announcement came amid the third consecutive day of U.S.-Iran tit-for-tat strikes, which also saw Iran fire 12 ballistic missiles at Jordan's Al-Azraq Air Base and attack U.S. military targets at multiple Gulf bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
An 11-year-old girl was hurt and homes and cars were damaged in Bahrain by falling debris from air defense interceptions targeting Iranian strikes, the country's Interior Ministry said.
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