Three Indian sailors remain missing after a U.S. military strike disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, prompting a diplomatic protest from India and renewed concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
The incident occurred after the United States said the vessel had ignored repeated instructions from American forces and was suspected of transporting Iranian oil in violation of Washington’s blockade on Iran-related shipping.
According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), an American aircraft carried out a “precision strike” on the tanker, targeting its engine room after the crew allegedly failed to comply with orders.
The vessel, identified as the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello, was intercepted while transiting the Gulf of Oman.
India’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 21 Indian crew members had been rescued, but three sailors were still unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continued.
In response, New Delhi summoned the U.S. deputy chief of mission and lodged what officials described as a strong protest over the attack.
Indian authorities also condemned the strike, stressing that commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure should not be targeted.
“Our embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry added that attacks on commercial shipping must cease, warning that the safety of civilian mariners should remain a priority regardless of the broader conflict in the region.
Maritime security agencies said the tanker reported an engine room fire about 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, a major Omani port.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency earlier reported one casualty aboard the vessel, though it remains unclear whether that person was among those rescued or the missing crew members.
The Omani Navy responded to the distress call and assisted in rescue efforts, according to maritime security firm Vanguard.
The Settebello, a chemical and oil products tanker, was partially loaded at the time of the attack. Tracking data showed it had last been recorded off Oman’s coast on June 1.
The strike comes amid a broader U.S. campaign against vessels accused of violating its blockade on Iranian oil exports.
CENTCOM said American forces have disabled eight vessels since the blockade began on April 13, while more than 130 ships have altered course after complying with U.S. directives. Another 42 vessels carrying humanitarian supplies have been allowed to pass.
Earlier this week, U.S. forces also disabled the tanker Marivex after it allegedly attempted to sail to an Iranian port in breach of the blockade.
Many of the ships being targeted are part of what Western officials describe as a “shadow fleet” aging tankers operating under various national flags and often without Western insurance, making it difficult to determine ownership and cargo origins.
The incident has drawn international concern. Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, condemned any action that endangers seafarers or threatens the safety of global shipping routes.
“My thoughts are with the families of the three missing seafarers and all those waiting for news of their loved ones,” he said.
The attack underscores the growing risks facing commercial shipping as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to spill into one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
