Family seeks return of Himachal seafarer’s body after fatal US strike near Hormuz Strait

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Shimla ,June 12

The family of 23 year old Himachal Pradesh seafarer Aditya Sharma, who was killed in a US military strike on an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, has appealed to the Center and the Himachal Pradesh government to facilitate the early return of his body to his native village in Hamirpur district for the last rites.

Aditya, a deck cadet on probation, was among three crew members who lost their lives when the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Settebello was struck in the Gulf of Oman on June 10. The vessel reportedly had 24 Indian crew members on board, of whom 21 were rescued.

The young seafarer, a resident of Galore village in Hamirpur district and the only son of his parents, had been working aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. His family members have also sought clarity on the circumstances surrounding the attack and questioned whether adequate rescue efforts were made.

Aditya’s grandfather, Ashok, called for an inquiry into the incident and questioned the decision to continue the vessel’s movement despite reported warnings.

His uncle, Sanjiv, said the family spent several hours trying to trace Aditya after learning that he was missing. He said they remained in contact with the shipping company throughout the night before receiving confirmation of his death in the early hours of the morning.

The family said Aditya had planned to return home in May but decided to extend his stay on the vessel for another month. They have urged Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the Union government to ensure the swift repatriation of his body.

The family has also sought details regarding Aditya’s location on the vessel at the time of the strike and whether attempts were made to rescue him after the attack.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Anurag Thakur said he had requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to involve the Indian Embassy in Oman and coordinate with local authorities and the company concerned to expedite the return of the body.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and assured all possible assistance. He directed the district administration to extend necessary support to the family during this difficult time.

The family is now awaiting the return of Aditya’s mortal remains so that his final rites can be performed in his native village.