Discover the Seta: Ratings & Maritime News

The family of Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh, who tragically lost his life alongside two other Indian seafarers during a U.S. military strike on the vessel 'Settebello' off the coast of Oman, is calling on the Indian government for a prompt return of his body. Bhargavi, Suresh's widow, received the initial information that three crew members, including her husband, were missing after the incident. Subsequently, Suresh was confirmed as the last of the three to be retrieved by the Royal Oman Navy. Janakiram, President of the East Coast Fishing Boat Owners Association, has raised concerns regarding the attack's circumstances and pressed the Ministry of External Affairs to expedite the process of repatriating the bodies to their families. Moreover, Janakiram requested financial and logistical support for the families from the shipping authority and the shipping ministry. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively working to facilitate the swift return of the remains of the deceased crew members to India.

In a heart-wrenching development, the bodies of Aditya Sharma and Shivanand Chaurasiya, two Indian seafarers tragically killed during a U.S. military strike on the tanker 'Settebello' near the Oman coastline, were repatriated on June 17. This somber occasion came just a day after 21 surviving Indian crew members were returned to India following their rescue from the incident. The Indian Ambassador to Muscat engaged with the released crew members, offering his best wishes and acknowledging their bravery amidst the harrowing circumstances they faced. While the whereabouts of the third deceased Indian seafarer, Patnala Suresh, remain unclear, the Indian government is pushing for clarity. In the wake of this incident, India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks on two occasions within the same week to express significant concern and register a strong protest over the military actions that led to these fatalities. For further details and updates, visit: https://newsonair.gov.in/oman-21-rescued-indian-crew-members-of-vessel-mt-settebello-returned-safely-home/

The 21 Indian crew members who survived the recent attack on the merchant vessel 'Settebello' are now safely on their way home following the tragic incident off the coast of Oman. Prior to their departure, Indian Ambassador to Oman, Prashant Pise, met with the crew to express his best wishes and commend them for their bravery during such a challenging time. The Indian embassy emphasized its ongoing commitment to the well-being and safety of Indian nationals abroad. The attack occurred approximately 30 nautical miles from Sohar, Oman, prompting immediate action. The Oman Maritime Security Centre was notified right away, leading to the swift involvement of Omani authorities in search and rescue efforts. The maritime security situation has grown tense, following assaults on commercial ships 'Marivex', 'Settebello', and 'Jalveer' between June 8-11. As a result, the Indian government summoned top US diplomat Jason Meeks for a second time last week, condemning the strikes by the US military on vessels carrying Indian sailors as 'unacceptable.' New Delhi firmly stated that the use of 'lethal and deadly' force threatens the stability and security of international maritime operations. India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, reinforced the country's strong position in a discussion with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asserting that 'such lethal actions against commercial shipping are unjustifiable.' For further updates, you can view the detailed report and images here: https://www.indiatoday.in/world/indians-abroad/story/india-us-ship-strikes-new-delhi-summons-envoy-after-three-sailors-killed-off-oman-2927571-2026-06-16.

A notable transaction in the maritime industry has occurred with a vessel being sold to buyers from the United Arab Emirates for a reported price of USD 5.5 million. This deal underscores the ongoing interest and investment in the maritime sector from the UAE, reflecting the region's strategic position in global shipping. As the industry continues to evolve, such sales highlight the dynamic market conditions present in today's economy.