The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) expresses its profound grief and deep concern over the tragic killings of three Indian seafarers following the barbaric attack by the US Navy on the oil tanker MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman. CITU extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and stands in solidarity with seafarers and maritime workers across the globe.
The deceased seafarers have been identified as Aditya Sharma (Deck Cadet), Shivanand Chaurasia (Engine Fitter), and Patanala Suresh (Chief Engineer). These workers lost their lives while performing their professional duties at sea. Their untimely deaths are a tragic loss to their families and to the entire maritime community.
Reports from Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) an affiliate of Centre of Indian Trade Union, indicates that MT Settebello, carrying 28 crew members, including 24 Indians, was attacked by United States military forces allegedly in connection with the enforcement of sanctions related to Iranian crude oil transportation. The attack reportedly caused severe damage to the vessel, resulting in the deaths of the three Indian seafarers. Twenty-one Indian crew members were rescued.
CITU is also deeply concerned by reports of senior attacks on other merchant vessels operating in the region, including MT Marivex and MT Jalveer, carrying Indian seafarers. These incidents demonstrate the growing dangers faced by civilian maritime workers mostly Indians, in conflict-affected waters and highlight the deteriorating security situation in one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.
Seafarers are workers, not combatants. They are not parties to military conflicts or geopolitical disputes. Their labour sustains international trade, energy transportation and global supply chains. The lives of civilian maritime workers must never be endangered by military actions as per the International Conventions.
CITU strongly condemns all actions that threaten the lives and safety of seafarers and calls for a full, transparent and independent international enquiry into the attacks on MT Settebello, MT Marivex and MT Jalveer. Accountability must be ensured and effective measures taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
India is among the world's largest suppliers of maritime manpower, with over three lakh Indian seafarers serving on vessels across the globe. Their safety and welfare must be treated as a matter of national priority.
CITU demands a full and independent international investigation into these attacks, Immediate measures to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers operating in conflict zones, Strengthened naval protection and emergency-response mechanisms for merchant vessels, A permanent crisis-management mechanism involving all relevant government agencies, shipowners and seafarers' unions, Adequate ex-gratia compensation, insurance benefits and statutory entitlements for the families of the deceased, Long-term rehabilitation, including employment assistance and educational support for dependents, Mandatory war-risk allowance and enhanced insurance coverage for seafarers deployed in high-risk regions, Establishment of safe maritime corridors and review of voyages through conflict-affected waters, Strong diplomatic initiatives at international forums to protect merchant shipping and civilian seafarers.
CITU stands firmly with the bereaved families and with maritime workers worldwide in demanding justice, accountability and protection for all seafarers.
Issued by
Elamaram Kareem
General Secretary
