(Central News Agency, New Delhi, 11th, Comprehensive Foreign News) India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated today that a merchant ship was hit by US military fire off the coast of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian crew members.
According to AFP, Sonowal, referring to the attack on the ship yesterday, said: "It is with deep regret that we received the tragic news of the attack on the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello. It is saddening that the three Indian crew members initially reported missing have now been found, their bodies identified, confirming their deaths."
Following the report of the attack on the ship yesterday, India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior US diplomat in New Delhi to express a "strong protest."
This is the second incident this week involving a US attack on a merchant ship crewed primarily by Indians. After the Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex was reportedly attacked by US forces off the coast of Oman on the 8th, Omani authorities immediately dispatched aircraft to evacuate the 24 Indian crew members on board.
Sonowal stated that the government "stands firmly with the families of the deceased during this difficult time," adding: "I have instructed the relevant officials to ensure the rescued crew members can return home as soon as possible and to expedite the repatriation of the remains of the deceased for their families to perform last rites." (Editor: Hong Qiyuan) 1150611
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- Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
- Category: Taiwan