Key facts
- Three Indian seafarers were killed on June 10 when the US military struck the MT Settebello oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman.
- Families of the deceased seafarers are demanding accountability from the US, calling the strike unjustified and a violation of international law.
- India is a major supplier of seafarers, with over 300,000 Indians serving globally.
- The conflict in the Gulf waters has led to numerous attacks on commercial vessels and deaths of maritime workers.
- At least seven Indian seafarers have been killed, and many Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded in the volatile maritime corridor.
- Deteriorating living conditions, including poor sanitation and delayed medical treatment, are affecting crews of stranded vessels.
The volatile maritime corridor near the Strait of Hormuz has become a dangerous workplace for Indian seafarers following recent escalations. Three Indian crew members, including chief engineer Patnala Suresh and deck cadet Aditya Sharma, were killed on June 10 when the US military struck the commercial oil tanker MT Settebello. US authorities stated the vessel failed to comply with instructions, a justification vehemently rejected by the victims' families who are demanding accountability and calling the strike a violation of international law.
India, a significant supplier of seafarers to the global merchant navy, has paid a heavy toll. At least seven Indian seafarers have been killed in recent incidents, and numerous Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded in the region, exposing crews to hazardous conditions. The prolonged anchoring due to conflict has led to deteriorating living conditions, including poor sanitation and food quality, and delayed medical treatment, as exemplified by the death of Nishanth Uirthanathan, a 35-year-old seafarer who fell seriously ill on his docked vessel.
Families of the deceased are critical of the Indian government's response, feeling it has not matched the gravity of the tragedy. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly raised seafarer safety concerns with US President Donald Trump, families expected a stronger public condemnation and intervention. The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran in the Gulf waters continue to pose significant risks to commercial shipping and the lives of seafarers.