The family of Aditya Sharma, a young seafarer from Hamirpur district in Himachal Pradesh, is struggling to come to terms with his death in the attack on the Palau-flagged vessel MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said 24 Indian crew members were onboard the vessel. While 21 were rescued safely, three lost their lives in the incident.
Aditya was working as a deck cadet on the ship. He was among the three crew members who was killed in the attack. His death has left his family and the local community in shock.
Family members broke down while speaking to media. They sought a detailed investigation into the incident and urged authorities to ensure that Aditya's mortal remains are brought home without delay.
Ashok, Aditya's grandfather, said, "We want to know that when the captain was warned against moving ahead, in which capacity did he take the ship forward. We demand an inquiry.”
Aditya's father, Rajesh Sharma, appealed to Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help in bringing back his son's body. Seeking answers, Rajesh Sharma questioned the circumstances that led to the deaths of the crew members. He asked why the vessel was allegedly taken through a high-risk zone and whether all safety protocols had been followed.
Aditya's cousin said the Ministry of External Affairs had informed the family about the deaths of Aditya and two other crew members. He questioned who would be held responsible for the tragedy and whether the crew had been informed about the risks involved in passing through the sensitive Strait of Hormuz. The cousin also raised concerns over the decisions taken by the ship's captain. He asked whether crew members who did not wish to continue on the route were given an option to leave the vessel before the journey.
A family member said the family wanted to know under whose instructions the ship was taken forward despite the risks. He urged the Himachal Pradesh government and MP Anurag Thakur to seek accountability and ensure a fair investigation. "Our hearts are shattered," he said.
Aditya's uncle recalled the anxious hours before the family received confirmation of his death. He said they spent the entire night trying to get information from the shipping company. Although the company cooperated, there was uncertainty about Aditya's fate. The family eventually received the tragic news in the early hours of the morning. He said Aditya had been working onboard the vessel for the past six months and was still on probation. The family now hopes that his mortal remains will be returned soon. They also want to know whether all possible efforts were made to rescue him after the attack.
Meanwhile, Hamirpur Tehsildar Saurabh said the district administration has taken up the matter with the Centre. He further said the Deputy Commissioner has assured the family of every possible support during this difficult time.
Earlier on Thursday, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed grief over the deaths of the three Indian seafarers. He said the government stands with the affected families and will extend all necessary assistance.
In a post on X, Sonowal described the incident as a major loss for India's maritime community. He confirmed that the three sailors who were initially reported missing have now been declared dead following recovery efforts.
Calling it a deeply unfortunate incident, the minister said the government remains committed to supporting the families of the deceased and helping them through the difficult period.
Sonowal also said officials have been directed to ensure the quick return of the rescued crew members and the swift repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives so that their final rites can be performed at home.
Also read: Three Indian sailors dead in US attack on Settebello oil tanker
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