India summoned a senior U.S. diplomat after American forces struck a second Indian-crewed vessel in the Gulf of Oman this week, leaving three sailors dead and intensifying concerns about the impact of escalating Middle East tensions on commercial shipping.
The vessel Settebello was carrying 24 Indian crew members, 21 of whom have been rescued, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement Wednesday. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Thursday that the three crew members initially reported missing had been confirmed dead.
“Three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified,” the minister said in a post on X. “I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members.”
