India voices "strong protest" over 3 of its mariners being killed in U.S. strikes on oil tankers

Source: CBS News

Updated on: June 11, 2026 / 8:35 AM EDT


Three Indian sailors were killed in a U.S. strike on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman Tuesday, according to India's shipping minister.

U.S. Central Command accused the ship of violating the ongoing naval blockade of Iran's ports and associated vessels, saying in a statement that the engine room of the Palau-flagged M/T Settebello oil tanker was fired on after the crew "repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces."

New Delhi's shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Thursday that three Indian seafarers — who were initially reported missing — have died, and their bodies had been identified. "It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello," he said in a statement. "This is a profound loss to our maritime family."

The deceased sailors were identified as Aditya Sharma, Shivanand Chaurasiya and Patnala Suresh. India's ANI news agency aired video of Chaurasiya's father Rami breaking down in tears as he described receiving the news of his son's death.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-war-us-oil-tankers-attacked-india-protest-mariners-killed/