Image for representation purposes only Three Indian seafarers working as crew onboard the tanker Settebello, attacked by U.S forces off Oman, have been reported dead. “It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello,” said Indian Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. The three sailors were earlier missing but are now confirmed dead after their bodies were found and identified. India’s foreign ministry also summoned a US diplomat in New Delhi after U.S forces attacked two ships with Indian crew this week, namely MT Marivex and MT Settebello, both oil tankers carrying Iranian oil. The Indian Government condemned the attack, and the Modi Government is facing a backlash from the Opposition leaders for not protesting against the U.S. action strongly. On Jun 8, authorities in Oman helped rescue the 24 Indian seafarers off the tanker MT Marivex after the tanker’s engine room was targeted by the U.S Navy. The seafarers alleged that a U.S Navy vessel was operating nearby, but it did not respond to their calls for help. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India posted images of the incident on social media showing the crew being rescued by a helicopter as thick black smoke emerged from the ship’s bridge and cabins. Sonowal expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, adding that officials have been directed to repatriate the remaining crew members and arrange for the swift return of the deceased crew’s mortal remains to their hometowns for their last rites.