NEW DELHI: Three Indian sailors on a commercial vessel hit by the United States off the coast of Oman are useless, New Delhi’s delivery minister stated on Thursday (Jun 11).
“It’s deeply unlucky to be taught of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello,” Sarbananda Sonowal stated in an announcement, referring to the strike on the vessel a day earlier.
“Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported lacking are actually confirmed useless after our bodies have been positioned and recognized.”
India’s overseas ministry summoned a high US diplomat in New Delhi after the US assault on Wednesday on MT Settebello to lodge “a powerful protest”.
It was the second reported US assault on a service provider vessel with a predominantly Indian crew this week.
On Jun 8, Omani authorities airlifted 24 Indian sailors off the MT Marivex after a US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker.
Photos posted on social media by the Ahead Seamen’s Union of India confirmed crew members being winched from the vessel by helicopter as thick black smoke billowed from its bridge and lodging cabins.
Sonowal stated that the federal government stood “firmly with the bereaved throughout this tough hour”.
“I’ve directed officers to make sure rapid repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal stays of the deceased for his or her ultimate rites,” he added.
