Two Indian sailors dead, chief engineer missing after vessel attack near Hormuz

Two Indian sailors are dead and a chief engineer remains missing following an attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI). The union's general secretary, Manoj Yadav, reported that communication with the vessel has been severely disrupted, and details are still being verified.

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We have been unable to establish a connection with the ship. The latest information I have indicates that two have died, while the Chief Engineer is still reported as missing.

"We have been unable to establish a connection with the ship," Yadav told ANI. "The latest information I have indicates that two have died, while the Chief Engineer is still reported as missing." He added that the three affected sailors hailed from different Indian states: Himachal Pradesh, Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.

Yadav expressed strong certainty that U.S. naval forces were aware of the nationalities of those onboard the targeted vessel. He suggested that detention could have been an alternative if instructions were not followed, stating, "I absolutely refuse to believe that the U.S. lacked information regarding the nationalities of the people on board those ships. That is simply not possible."

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The three are from Himachal Pradesh, Deoria (Uttar Pradesh), and Andhra Pradesh.

Earlier, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack on the vessel MT Settebello off the coast of Oman. The MEA stated that 21 of the 24 Indian crew members had been rescued, while three remained missing. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

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I absolutely refuse to believe that the U.S. lacked information regarding the nationalities of the people on board those ships. That is simply not possible. I am 101% certain that US naval forces knew exactly how many Indians and foreign nationals were on those vessels. If the ships failed to heed their instructions, detaining them was a viable alternative.

The MEA also voiced concern over the broader security situation in the region, calling the continuing attacks on shipping "deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict." India reiterated its appeal for "immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region."

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We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing.