'Received two warnings from US Navy, dont worry'; Deck cadet Aditya's last phone conversation with family

NEW DELHI: Deck Cadet Aditya Sharma, who was killed in a US attack off the coast of Oman, while last speaking to his family, talked about the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, his father revealed. Aditya Sharma's father, Rajesh Sharma, 23, has revealed the details.

The US attack on the Palau-flagged MT Settebello ship took place yesterday. Initially, it was reported that three Indian sailors, including Aditya, were missing. Today, it was confirmed that all three missing sailors have been killed. Aditya last spoke to his father, Rajesh Sharma, on the phone last Sunday.

Aditya told his family that the situation on the ship was extremely serious due to the blockade imposed by the US Navy in the region. Aditya also revealed to his father that he had received two warnings from the US Navy in the last two weeks, and the ship was trying to move towards the Strait of Hormuz despite the warnings.

Aditya had said that another ship near MT Settebello was attacked, but its crew was rescued safely. He reassured his family that there was no need to worry and that he was safe.

Aditya Sharma is a native of Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. After studying in Chennai and Glasgow, he joined a cargo ship in November last year. Rajesh said that his son, who was supposed to return after completing his work last month, later extended his tenure by two more months.

The shipping company informed the family of Aditya's death this morning. The family is protesting against the action of the authorities, who decided to go ahead despite warnings, putting the lives of the sailors at risk.

Union Minister for Ports and Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal assured that the central government will stand by the kin of the victims and provide them with all the necessary support. He has also directed the officials to take steps to bring back the rescued crew members and the bodies at the earliest.