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3 Indian seafarers killed in US strike (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: India has placed its maritime security apparatus on the highest alert following escalating incidents involving commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that it is closely tracking developments near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil and trade route, amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Authorities have also intensified coordination with international maritime agencies and shipping companies to ensure the safety of Indian nationals at sea.
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The alert comes after three Indian sailors were killed in a strike on the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello. The vessel was reportedly hit during a US military operation in the region amid ongoing tensions involving Iran and heightened naval activity in the Gulf. The deceased Indian crew members have been identified as individuals from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, including a marine engineer, an engine fitter, and a trainee deck cadet.
The incident has raised serious concerns over the safety of merchant shipping routes passing through the Gulf region, which handles a significant portion of global energy transport.
In related developments, two additional vessels carrying Indian crew members were also attacked in the Gulf of Oman. While a Palau-flagged tanker, Marivex, was struck earlier, all 24 Indian sailors onboard were safely rescued. Another vessel, Jalveer, flagged to Guinea-Bissau, was also hit, but all 20 Indian nationals aboard were reported safe.
Following the series of incidents, the government has issued advisories urging Indian seafarers and shipping operators to exercise extreme caution while transiting through high-risk maritime zones. Vessel operators have been instructed to strictly follow security protocols and maintain constant communication with maritime authorities.
Dedicated communication channels have been activated for round-the-clock monitoring and emergency response, ensuring rapid assistance in case of any contingency involving Indian crew members.
The attacks come amid increased military activity in the region, with international forces reportedly targeting non-compliant vessels and tightening maritime surveillance. The situation has further strained an already sensitive shipping corridor, raising fears of disruption in global trade and energy supply routes passing through the Gulf region.
