Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said it was “deeply unfortunate” to learn of the tragedy involving the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, which had been hit the previous day.

He confirmed that the three Indian seafarers initially reported missing had been found and identified.

In a statement, Sonowal said: “Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after their bodies were located and identified.”

The announcement came after authorities completed search and identification operations following the incident involving the commercial vessel off Oman’s coast.