India Protests Over 3 Sailors Killed in U.S. Gulf Strike on Indian Ship

Three Indian sailors were killed in a U.S. strike on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman Tuesday, according to India’s shipping minister.

U.S. Central Command accused the ship of violating the ongoing naval blockade of Iran’s ports and associated vessels, saying in a statement that the engine room of the Palau-flagged M/T Settebello oil tanker was fired on after the crew “repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces.”

New Delhi’s shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Thursday that three Indian seafarers — who were initially reported missing — have died, and their bodies had been identified. The deceased sailors were identified as Aditya Sharma, Shivanand Chaurasiya and Patnala Suresh.

India’s External Affairs Ministry condemned attacks on ships in a statement Wednesday, saying “the continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome.” India expected the U.S. to take due note of its protest.

At least nine ships have been disabled for not complying with U.S. forces since the blockade on Iran was initiated on April 13, according to CENTCOM.