**Executive Summary**
This report details the Government of India's heightened alert and response mechanisms following a missile attack on the vessel MT Settebello on 10 June 2026 in the Gulf region. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is coordinating with multiple agencies to safeguard Indian seafarers, manage the repatriation of survivors, and return the mortal remains of three deceased crew members. Key actions include sustained maritime surveillance and the provision of financial assistance to affected families.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Security Situation and Surveillance**
* The Government is maintaining sustained surveillance of the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and adjoining areas due to evolving security risks.
* All concerned agencies have been directed to remain on heightened alert to respond to contingencies involving Indian maritime interests.
* Coordination is ongoing between the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad, and international maritime administrations.
**Incident Report: MT Settebello**
* On 10 June 2026, the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello was hit by a missile attack 20 nautical miles north-east of Sohar, Oman.
* The vessel carried 28 crew members, 24 of whom were Indian nationals.
* Three Indian seafarers were confirmed deceased; the remaining crew members have been rescued.
**Safety and Operational Requirements**
* Indian seafarers on both Indian and foreign-flagged vessels are advised to exercise the highest degree of caution in conflict-affected waters.
* Vessel operators, managers, and shipping companies must strictly adhere to maritime security protocols and monitor official advisories.
* All stakeholders are required to promptly report any incidents involving Indian seafarers to the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).
**Welfare and Assistance**
* The Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) is releasing Rs 10 lakhs to the families of each deceased seafarer.
* The Government is fast-tracking the repatriation of rescued seafarers and the transportation of mortal remains.
* Dedicated 24x7 communication channels, including the MMDAC (DG Comm Centre) and specific toll-free numbers, are operational for emergency assistance.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Seafarers**
**Impact**
Increased physical risk while transiting the Gulf region and surrounding international shipping lanes.
**Action Required**
Exercise extreme vigilance, maintain situational awareness, and follow all prevailing security protocols and government advisories.
**Families of Affected Seafarers**
**Impact**
Emotional and financial distress following the loss of kin or involvement in maritime incidents.
**Action Required**
Coordinate with the DGS and Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) agencies for repatriation updates and to receive eligible welfare benefits.
**Shipping Companies and Vessel Operators**
**Impact**
Increased responsibility for crew safety and stricter compliance with international and national security mandates.
**Action Required**
Continuously monitor government advisories and ensure immediate reporting of any incidents to the Directorate General of Shipping.
**Government Agencies (DGS, MEA, Indian Navy)**
**Impact**
Heightened operational demand for surveillance, diplomatic coordination, and emergency response.
**Action Required**
Maintain round-the-clock monitoring and provide timely support to Indian seafarers and their families through dedicated communication channels.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW): The primary ministry responsible for monitoring maritime security and coordinating response mechanisms to safeguard Indian seafarers.
Directorate General of Shipping (DGS): The regulatory body maintaining surveillance, issuing safety advisories, and coordinating emergency interventions for seafarers in conflict zones.
Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS): A society under the DGS that provides financial assistance and welfare benefits to affected seafarers and their families.
Sarbananda Sonowal: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways who directed the heightened alert and response to maritime security incidents.
Gulf Region: The central geographic area of applicability, including the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, where Indian maritime interests are under threat.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Government on Highest Alert to Safeguard Indian
Seafarers Amid Evolving Maritime Security
Situation in Gulf Region
Fully committed to the safety, security & welfare of every
Indian seafarer: Sarbananda Sonowal
प्रव तथ: 11 JUN 2026 9:27PM by PIB Delhi
In view of the rapidly evolving security situation in the Gulf region and surrounding waters, the
Government of India continue to monitor, and coordinate response mechanisms to safeguard Indian
seafarers and protect India's maritime interests. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
(MoPSW), through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), is maintaining sustained surveillance of
developments in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining maritime areas.
The Government is closely coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Indian
Missions abroad, maritime administrations of friendly countries, shipping companies, seafarers' welfare
organisations and other relevant stakeholders to ensure timely support and assistance to Indian seafarers.
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.
The Directorate General of Shipping has advised all Indian seafarers serving onboard Indian and foreign-
flagged vessels transiting through conflict-affected waters to exercise the highest degree of caution and
vigilance. Vessel operators, ship managers and shipping companies have also been advised to adhere
strictly to prevailing maritime security protocols, maintain enhanced situational awareness and
continuously monitor advisories issued by the Government of India and competent international
authorities.
Stakeholders have been directed to promptly report any incident involving Indian seafarers to the
Directorate General of Shipping to facilitate immediate intervention and coordination. Dedicated
communication channels and emergency response mechanisms remain operational round-the-clock to
provide assistance to Indian seafarers and their families.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, said,”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. All relevant ministries, agencies and missions
abroad are working in close coordination to ensure timely support and assistance whenever required."
Attack on MT Settebello and Assistance to Indian SeafarersAmong the recent incidents reported in the region, MT Settebello (IMO 9162916), a Palau-flagged
Medium Range Tanker carrying 28 crew members, including 24 Indian seafarers, was reportedly subjected
to a missile attack on 10 June 2026 while operating approximately 20 nautical miles north-east of Sohar,
Oman.
According to information received from the Maritime Security Centre of Oman and subsequent reports
from the vessel's management, three Indian seafarers tragically lost their lives in the attack. On receipt of
this information the Government of India actively coordinated with all concerned authorities, ship owners
and RPSL to provide all necessary assistance. The mortal remains of the three missing Indian seafarers
have been expeditiously located and identified, and all other crew members have been rescued safely.
Efforts are now being fast-tracked to repatriate the rescued seafarers and ensure the dignified return of the
mortal remains to their families at the earliest.
The Government of India expresses its profound condolences to the bereaved families. The loss of Indian
seafarers while performing their duties at sea is a matter of deep sorrow for the nation.
Expressing at this tragic incident, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the
tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported
missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified. The safety of Indian
citizens, protection of Indian maritime interests and uninterrupted movement of legitimate cargo remain
our highest priorities. The Government of India is keeping a close watch on developments and will take all
necessary measures to safeguard the lives of Indian seafarers and uphold the nation's interests.”
The Government has further reiterated that the welfare and security of Indian seafarers remain paramount.
The Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS), functioning under the Directorate General of Shipping,
stands ready to extend eligible welfare benefits, financial assistance and other support measures to
affected seafarers and their families whenever required. As per protocol, SWFS is releasing Rs 10 lakhs to
the families of the deceased.
Adding further, Sonowal said, “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 Directorate General of Shipping, along with the concerned Recruitment and Placement Service
License (RPSL) agencies, remains in constant contact with the next of kin of the affected seafarers. The
Government is actively coordinating with relevant authorities for the repatriation of rescued crew
members, transportation of mortal remains and provision of all necessary assistance and support to the
families concerned.
All stakeholders are advised to continuously monitor advisories issued by the government as well as for
any emergency assistance, citizens may contact MMDAC (DG Comm Centre) via email to dgcommcentre
-dgs[at]nic[dot]in or WhatsApp/Call at +91 8657549760. Alternate Numbers to contact are +91
2222613606, +91 8657549752) or the 24×7 grievance redressal channels including Toll-Free Number
(Domestic): 1800-889-7768, International Toll-Free: +1-888-988-0256, WhatsApp: +91 8655856830, and
email to enavik.24x7[at]gov[dot]in.
The Government of India reiterates that it stands firmly with Indian seafarers and their families and will
continue to take every necessary measure to ensure their welfare, security and well-being during this
period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
***
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इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Gujarati