Who Were The Three Indian Seafarers Killed In US Missile Strike On MV Settebello?

Last Updated:June 12, 2026, 10:41 IST

Three Indian seafarers were killed in a US missile strike on the Palau-flagged MT Settebello carrying 24 Indian crew members on board.

Public anger has mounted in India after three US attacks on tankers carrying Indian seafarers have ignited widespread outrage in the nation, particularly after three Indian sailors were killed in an attack on the Palau-flagged MT Settebello.

The Medium Range Tanker came under US attack on Wednesday, while carrying 24 Indian crew on board. While authorities managed to rescue 21 crew members, the government confirmed that three seafarers were killed and their mortal remains would be brought home soon.

“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. The safety of Indian citizens, protection of Indian maritime interests and uninterrupted movement of legitimate cargo remain our highest priorities," said Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

ALSO READ: ‘Armed Robbery, State Piracy’: Iran Denounces US Strike On Vessel That Killed 3 Indian Sailors

Who Are The Three Indian Seafarers?

Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, said the three deceased seafarers were identified as Aditya Sharma, Shivanand Chaurashiya and Patnala Suresh.

• Aditya Sharma: The 23-year-old deck cadet from Himachal Pradesh was among the three seafarers killed in the strike. He had been working on the commercial ship as a deck cadet since November last year.
• Shivanand Chaurasiya: Chaurasiya, 37, had left from Mumbai to join the vessel as an Engine Petty Officer (fitter) to support his family in Uttar Pradesh’s Sirauli.
• Patnala Suresh: He was a 44-year-old chief engineer from Visakhapatnam. He was the sole earning member of the family and is survived by his wife and two children.

What Did India Say?

India strongly condemned the incident, summoning US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks and lodging a formal demarche. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the continuing attacks on shipping in the region as “deeply worrisome" and called for immediate de-escalation of tensions.

However, the US has maintained that its military carried out a “precision" strike on the tanker, alleging that the vessel was transporting Iranian oil and had failed to comply with instructions.

The incident took place just a day after the US military confirmed an attack on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman carrying 24 Indian crew members aboard. The MT Marivex, a Palau-flagged vessel, was operating in waters close to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz when a projectile off the Omani coast hit it. The crew were evacuated after the fire was reported.

On June 10, the US Army fired two Hellfire missiles at the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer near Oman’s Shinas port, accusing it of violating a blockade of Iranian ports and refusing to comply with its directions.

About the Author

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int...Read More

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