Muscat, June 16: The Indian Embassy in Oman has confirmed the return of 21 Indian sailors who were rescued from the ship MT Settabello. The embassy reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Indian citizens abroad.
Before their return, Indian Ambassador Prashant Pise met with the crew members, wishing them well and commending their courage and patience during the challenging situation.
According to the Indian Embassy, the Palau-flagged ship MT Settabello was attacked approximately 30 nautical miles off the coast of Sohar, Oman. While 21 Indian nationals were rescued, three sailors tragically lost their lives.
On Tuesday, the embassy posted on the social media platform X, stating, “MT Settabello, a Palau-flagged vessel, was attacked about 30 nautical miles off the coast of Sohar, Oman. The Oman Maritime Security Center was immediately notified, prompting local authorities to initiate a search and rescue operation. 21 Indian crew members were safely rescued, but this tragic maritime incident resulted in the loss of three lives.”
Last week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, lodging a strong diplomatic protest following an attack on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman that resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors.
During the conversation, the minister stated that such lethal actions against commercial vessels are “unacceptable.”
Earlier, on June 12, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks to express strong objections to the ongoing attacks.
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided this information during a press briefing, stating that India has firmly opposed the attacks on commercial vessels and the deaths of three sailors, hoping for immediate cessation of such incidents.
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