India has placed its maritime agencies on the highest level of alert following the death of three Indian seafarers in a strike on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman amid the escalating US-Iran conflict.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Thursday confirmed that all concerned agencies have been directed to remain vigilant as tensions continue to rise across the strategically important Gulf region.
Government Intensifies Monitoring of Strait of Hormuz
The Indian government said it is closely monitoring developments around the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, which remain among the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.
Authorities are maintaining constant communication with shipping companies, international maritime administrations and friendly countries to ensure the safety of Indian sailors working aboard merchant vessels.
Officials have also activated dedicated communication channels to provide round-the-clock support to Indian seafarers operating in the region.
Three Indian Sailors Killed in Gulf Attack
The heightened alert follows the death of three Indian crew members aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello, which was struck amid ongoing hostilities linked to the US-Iran conflict.
The deceased sailors have been identified as:
- Patnala Suresh (44)
- Aditya Sharma (23)
- Shivanand Chaurasia (38)
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through India’s maritime community and raised serious concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in conflict-affected waters.
Safety Advisory Issued for Indian Seafarers
The government has instructed Indian sailors travelling through Gulf waters to exercise extreme caution.
Shipping companies, vessel operators and ship management firms have also been advised to strictly follow international maritime safety protocols and maintain enhanced security measures.
Officials warned that the recent attacks demonstrate the growing risks faced by merchant vessels operating in the region.
Three Merchant Vessels Linked to India Attacked
The latest incident is part of a series of attacks involving vessels carrying Indian crew members.
Marivex Attack
The first reported incident involved the Palau-flagged tanker Marivex.
According to US authorities, the vessel was allegedly attempting to breach a naval blockade and head towards an Iranian port.
All 24 Indian crew members onboard were rescued safely.
MT Settebello Strike
The second attack targeted MT Settebello, resulting in the deaths of three Indian sailors.
The victims included a marine engineer from Visakhapatnam, an engine fitter from Uttar Pradesh and a trainee deck cadet from Himachal Pradesh.
Jalveer Incident
A third vessel, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged Jalveer, also came under attack in the Gulf of Oman.
All 20 Indian nationals onboard the ship were reported safe.
The vessel regularly transports cargo between the United Arab Emirates and India.
Government Assures Full Support to Families
Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed condolences to the families of the deceased sailors and assured full support from the government.
Officials said assistance is being extended to the next of kin while diplomatic and maritime channels continue efforts to safeguard Indian citizens working in international waters.
Growing Concern Over Maritime Security
The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of global oil and energy shipments, making stability in the region crucial for international trade.
Security experts warn that continued military escalation could increase risks for commercial vessels, particularly those carrying multinational crews.
For India, which has one of the world’s largest communities of merchant navy professionals, ensuring the safety of seafarers has become a top priority as tensions in the Gulf continue to escalate.
The government has reiterated that all maritime stakeholders must remain prepared for any emergency situation while maintaining close coordination with authorities.
