Three Indian mariners aboard the Palau-flagged M/T Settebello were killed on Tuesday night when the United States Navy fired on the vessel for ignoring the U.S. blockade on Iran. As the Washington Examiner previously reported, the Navy fired precision strikes at the engine room of the Settebello to disable the vessel. The incident occurred as the U.S. conducted self-defense strikes against Iran for deploying a drone that took down a U.S. Army Apache helicopter on Monday.
Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s minister of ports, shipping, and waterways, announced the casualties in a social media post on X early Thursday morning.
“It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello,” said Sonowal. “Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified.”
It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified.This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The…— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) June 11, 2026
“This is a profound loss to our maritime family,” he added. “The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin.”
