Ship Manager Claims US Navy Attacked Tanker Without Warning, Denies Iran Links

The manager of the tanker MT Settebello has publicly accused the United States Navy of responsibility for an incident that resulted in the deaths of three of the vessel’s crew. In a public statement released by the ship’s manager, IOS Marine F.Z.E., the company is demanding accountability and a transparent investigation into the loss of life of the three Indian sailors on board. The company stated that the circumstances surrounding the attack have not been adequately explained and that the families of the deceased deserve clear answers about what happened. According to the company, the incident was not just an ordinary maritime security event but a tragedy with long-term consequences for those affected. The statement also noted that the vessel sustained substantial damage, with significant repair costs anticipated. A key point of controversy is whether the tanker received any warning before military action was taken. The manager has rejected claims that the ship ignored instructions from US forces. IOS Marine asserted that no effective communication was established between the US side and the vessel prior to the incident. The company is challenging authorities to publicly disclose any evidence supporting claims that contact attempts were made. The manager further denied allegations that the MT Settebello had any connection to Iran or was involved in transporting Iranian oil, describing the ship as a civilian merchant vessel engaged in legitimate commercial activity. The company insisted that the vessel should have been treated as a non-military asset operating in international waters and sought to refute any suggestion that the ship had engaged in suspicious behaviour.