Govt puts maritime agencies on high alert after MT Settebello attack

The Centre has placed maritime agencies on heightened alert and stepped up monitoring of developments in the Gulf region amid rising security concerns around key international shipping lanes and the death of three Indian seafarers in an attack on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs had said that the US Navy stationed in the region was behind the attack on the ship.

Centre steps up monitoring

In a statement on Thursday (July 11), the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) said it was maintaining close surveillance of developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining waters, describing the situation as rapidly evolving.

Also Read: India says US Navy behind attack on MT Settebello, lodges protest

“Recent security incidents involving merchant vessels operating in the region have highlighted the increasing risks faced by commercial shipping. Recognising the strategic importance of these international shipping lanes to global trade and energy security, the Government has directed all concerned agencies to remain on heightened alert and maintain readiness to respond to any contingency involving Indian seafarers or Indian maritime interests,” stated the release.

Inter-agency coordination

Elaborating further, the ministry stated that the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) was coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, Indian missions abroad, shipping companies and foreign maritime authorities to ensure timely assistance to Indian seafarers operating in the region.

Also Read: MT Settebello attack: Three missing Indian seafarers found dead, Sonowal confirms

“The Government is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Gulf region and remains fully committed to the safety, security and welfare of every Indian seafarer,” Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said as quoted in the release.

Recent security incidents involving merchant vessels have highlighted growing risks to commercial shipping in the Gulf, a route that handles a significant share of global oil and energy trade.

Tanker struck off Oman coast

The government statement comes days after MT Settebello, carrying 24 Indian crew members among a total crew of 28, was struck while operating about 20 nautical miles north-east of Sohar in Oman on June 10.

Also Read: 24 Indian crew members rescued after missile attack on tanker off Oman coast

According to officials, three Indian seafarers who were initially reported missing have now been confirmed dead after their bodies were located and identified. The remaining crew members were rescued safely.

Reuters had earlier reported that the vessel came under attack while transiting the Gulf of Oman, prompting search-and-rescue operations involving Omani authorities and Indian diplomatic missions. The incident added to concerns over the safety of merchant shipping in the region.

Advisory for seafarers

The DGS has advised Indian seafarers serving on both Indian and foreign-flagged vessels transiting conflict-affected waters to exercise the “highest degree of caution and vigilance”.

Also Read: Iran blocks Strait of Hormuz traffic, India issues urgent advisory for seafarers

Shipping companies, vessel operators and ship managers have also been asked to strictly adhere to maritime security protocols, maintain enhanced situational awareness and continuously monitor advisories issued by Indian authorities and international agencies.

Relief for families

The government said efforts were being fast-tracked to repatriate the rescued crew members and return the mortal remains of the deceased to their families. Under existing welfare provisions, the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society will provide Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the three deceased seafarers.

“This is a profound loss to our maritime family,” Sonowal said.

“The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin,” he added.