Update: Three Indian seafarers initially reported missing after an attack on the oil products tanker Settebello off the coast of Oman are now confirmed dead after their bodies have been located and identified, minister of ports, shipping and waterways of India Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.

Reacting to the incident, Sonowal said in a post on X, “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 Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin. I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites.”

The ministry of ports, shipping and waterways is coordinating efforts to facilitate the return of the surviving crew members and the bodies of the deceased to India.

Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued, the ministry of external affairs of India said Wednesday in a statement.

The developments have raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers operating in one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes amid escalating regional tensions.

India has urged all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region and ensure the safety of international shipping lanes.

The government has also lodged a formal protest with the United States over the attack that claimed the lives of the three Indian seafarers and said it will continue monitoring the situation closely.

India’s external affairs ministry condemned on Wednesday the attack and said that “the continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome” and a “direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region.”

The ministry reiterated its call 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 Middle East region.

“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest,” it said in the statement, adding that its embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

The Indian embassy in Oman also posted an update on X. “We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off the coast of Oman. We are closely monitoring the situation and in close touch with the local authorities. We shall update soon,” the embassy said in its statement. This is the second serious incident of a tanker being damaged in few days.

Earlier in the day, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) posted on X: “There are better measures that could save the lives of seafarers instead of direct attacks on ships – especially when everyone onboard is known to be Indian and foreign nationals. Someone must take responsibility. Seafarers’ lives should not be put at stake due to geopolitical conflicts. Attacked by US with casualties onboard.”

Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) expressed on Wednesday deep concern and strong condemnation of the attack on the tanker Settebello (IMO 9162916) sailing off the coast of Oman.

The incident, which occurred near the Strait of Hormuz and is reported to have followed a projectile strike against the vessel, IMO said, resulted in a fire on board and three seafarers reported missing.

Dominguez condemned the attack, mentioning that any act from any party that endangers the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping “is simply unacceptable.”

“My thoughts are with the families of the three missing seafarers and with all those awaiting news of the crew members.”

The secretary-general recalled the conclusions of the IMO Council at its extraordinary session, which underscored the need to protect seafarers, civilian shipping and the freedom of navigation at all times.

“All actions affecting international shipping must fully respect international law and the safety of life at sea. The protection of seafarers is a shared responsibility that must remain paramount,” he said.

IMO said it is monitoring the situation closely and calls for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement on Wednesday, taking responsibility for the attack.

Cargo ship exchanges fire with armed craft southwest of Yemen

In another incident on Wednesday, a cargo vessel reported being approached by a small craft carrying six armed people about 88 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Balhaf on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.

Providing specific operational details regarding the nature of the incident, UKMTO noted that “a cargo vessel has reported being approached by one craft with 6 armed persons onboard” whilst transiting the region.

According to a report submitted by the master, the cargo ship’s armed security team responded to the threat as the unidentified boat approached the vessel.

The armed security personnel retaliated after the attackers opened fire, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire.

Following the confrontation, the small craft turned away, UKMTO said.

In its advisory, the UKMTO urged ships operating in the region to exercise extreme caution, maintain a high level of vigilance, and immediately report any suspicious activity.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the incident, and authorities were investigating.