Tanker Struck by US Attack off Oman Coast, Three Indian Sailors Killed

A tanker navigating the blockaded waters of the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an American attack off the coast of Oman, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least three Indian sailors on board. The deaths were announced by India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, in a statement released on Thursday. “It is deeply regrettable to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged vessel MT Settebello,” Sonowal said, referring to the attack which occurred on Wednesday. “Sadly, the three Indian seafarers initially reported missing have now been confirmed deceased after their bodies were recovered and identified.” Sonowal stated that the Indian government “stands firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult time” and has instructed officials to ensure the immediate repatriation of rescued crew members and the handover of the deceased for funeral rites. India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior US diplomat in New Delhi to lodge a “strong protest” over Washington’s military strike on the MT Settebello. This is the second reported US attack on a commercial vessel carrying a predominantly Indian crew this week. On 8 June, Omani authorities airlifted 24 Indian sailors from the MT Marivex after it was hit by a US strike. Photographs released by the Indian seafarers’ union showed crew members being evacuated by helicopter as thick black smoke billowed from the ship’s bridge and accommodation block. There has been no official response from US authorities or the military regarding the incident. The strike comes as the United States is once again engaged in tit-for-tat attacks with Iran, in a war that has raged since late February and has been marked by a fragile ceasefire since April. In recent days, US forces have struck multiple targets in southern Iran, including near the Strait of Hormuz.