A wave of grief swept through Hareta village in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district after residents learned of the death of 23-year-old sailor Aditya Sharma, who was killed in a strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. As news of the tragedy reached the village on Wednesday, relatives, neighbours, and well-wishers gathered at the Sharma family's home to offer condolences and support during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Aditya's family has appealed to authorities for the swift repatriation of his mortal remains so that they can perform his last rites in his hometown. His father, Rajeev Sharma, has sought assistance from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur, urging them to help expedite the process of bringing his son home. The family says their immediate priority is to ensure that Aditya receives a dignified farewell among his loved ones.
Aditya was serving as a deck cadet on probation aboard the vessel and was among three crew members who lost their lives during the attack. The oil tanker had 24 Indian crew members on board at the time of the incident, and while 21 of them were rescued safely, Aditya and two others could not be saved. Reports indicate that the vessel came under attack during a US naval blockade operation near the coast of Oman. It was also alleged that the tanker faced an attack from an African force, further complicating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
According to his father, Aditya was expected to return home soon, and the family had been eagerly awaiting his arrival. Instead of preparing for a reunion, they are now mourning an irreplaceable loss. Rajeev Sharma has called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, saying the family wants to know exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the attack and how the situation escalated into such a devastating outcome.
Aditya's grandfather, Ashok Sharma, also questioned the decisions made by those responsible for operating the vessel. He said the family wants answers regarding why the ship continued its journey despite warnings and growing risks in the region. He stressed that a proper inquiry is necessary so that the circumstances surrounding the attack can be fully understood and accountability can be established wherever required.
Family members revealed that Aditya had originally planned to return home in May. However, he decided to extend his assignment aboard the vessel for another month. That decision ultimately kept him at sea when the attack occurred. His uncle, Sanjay Lakhanpal, said the family is doing everything possible to bring Aditya's body back to India and has reached out to political leaders and government authorities for assistance with the repatriation process.
Lakhanpal explained that the family has approached Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur, Chief Minister Sukhu, and the central government, requesting their intervention to ensure that documentation and transportation formalities are completed without delay. He said the family simply wants their son returned home so that they can perform the final rites according to tradition and give him the farewell he deserves.
Expressing grief over Aditya's death, Anurag Thakur said he had spoken with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and requested assistance through the Indian Embassy in Oman. He said efforts are being made to coordinate with local authorities and the shipping company involved so that the repatriation of Aditya's remains can be completed as quickly as possible.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also conveyed his condolences and assured the family that the Himachal Pradesh government stands firmly with them during this difficult period. He directed the district administration to provide all possible assistance and support to the grieving family and help them navigate the procedures associated with bringing Aditya home.
The incident has also sparked diplomatic concerns between India and the United States. According to the US government, its military carried out what it described as a precision strike after the vessel allegedly failed to comply with certain instructions. The United States further claimed that the tanker was transporting oil from Iran at the time of the operation.
Following the attack, India lodged a strong protest and expressed serious concern over the safety of Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels in international waters. The government summoned the US diplomatic representative in New Delhi and conveyed its objections regarding the strike and its consequences.
India strongly condemned the attack and emphasised that civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping should not become casualties of geopolitical conflicts. The government reiterated the importance of protecting international trade routes and ensuring the safety of seafarers who work in challenging conditions across the world's oceans.
Indian authorities also called upon the international community to ensure that vital maritime routes remain secure and accessible in accordance with international maritime law. The government stressed that attacks on commercial vessels must be avoided and that free and uninterrupted navigation through major global waterways is essential for international trade and economic stability.
As investigations into the incident continue and diplomatic discussions progress, the Sharma family remains focused on a single objective—bringing Aditya home. For the grieving family and the residents of Hareta village, the priority is not the geopolitical controversy surrounding the strike but ensuring that the young sailor is returned to his homeland so that his final journey can conclude among those who loved him most.
