Three crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Settebello were killed after a US military strike targeted the vessel in the Gulf of Oman. The United States claimed the tanker had violated restrictions related to Iranian ports.
The MT Settebello was carrying 24 crew members when it was struck on Wednesday. Twenty-one sailors were rescued, while three Indian seafarers lost their lives.
India’s Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the bodies of the deceased sailors would be returned to India. The government is working to bring them home as soon as possible.
Operator Rejects US Allegations
The company operating the MT Settebello, iOS Marine, has denied claims that the vessel had any links to Iran or Iranian oil exports.
No Connection to Iran, Company Says
iOS Marine stated that the tanker was engaged in legitimate commercial operations and had no affiliation with Iran.
The company said the allegations should be examined through an independent and transparent investigation.
Dispute Over Warning Communications
The US Central Command (Centcom) said military aircraft targeted the ship’s engine room after the crew allegedly ignored repeated instructions.
However, iOS Marine disputed that claim and said no warning calls or messages were successfully communicated to the vessel before the strike. read more
The company also stated that the tanker had remained stationary for around ten days before the incident and was not involved in any suspicious activity.
Third Incident Involving Indian Crews This Week
The MT Settebello is the third vessel carrying Indian crew members to be involved in a US military operation in the Gulf region this week.
Strike on the Marivex
Earlier in the week, US forces targeted the Palau-flagged tanker Marivex after it allegedly failed to comply with instructions.
All 24 crew members aboard the vessel were rescued safely before the tanker sank.
Attack Near Oman
On Thursday, Indian officials confirmed that another vessel, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer, came under attack near Oman’s Shinas port.
All 20 crew members aboard the MT Jalveer were reported safe with assistance from the Royal Navy of Oman.
India Protests to the United States
Following the strike on the MT Settebello, India formally expressed its concerns to the United States.
Diplomatic Response
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi lodged a strong protest and summoned the US chargé d’affaires over repeated attacks involving ships carrying Indian nationals.
The Indian government has called on all parties to avoid targeting commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure during regional conflicts.
Families Seek Answers
Relatives of the deceased sailors are demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Family of Cadet Questions Circumstances
Rajesh Sharma, father of cadet Aditya Sharma, said his son was due to return home in May, but his employer extended his assignment.
He said the family spoke with Aditya shortly before the incident and now waits to bring his body home.
Sharma questioned why the tanker was operating near the Strait of Hormuz and called for authorities to identify those responsible for the deaths.
Rising Tensions in the Gulf Region
The incidents have occurred amid increasing tensions between the United States and Iran.
Shipping Restrictions and Naval Operations
The US military imposed restrictions on access to Iranian ports after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict.
According to Centcom, US forces have disabled several vessels and redirected more than one hundred others since the blockade began.
Thousands of Indian Seafarers in the Region
Indian officials estimate that more than 18,000 Indian seafarers are currently working across the Gulf region.
The Ministry of Shipping says hundreds of Indian sailors remain aboard vessels operating near the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
Concerns Raised by Maritime Unions
Maritime labor organizations have questioned whether military action was necessary.
Calls for Alternative Measures
Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India, argued that authorities could have detained vessels instead of using force.
He also questioned whether military officials were aware that many Indian nationals were aboard the affected ships.
The union has called for alternative approaches that prioritize the safety of civilian crews.
Conflict Continues Between the US and Iran
Tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise despite efforts to maintain a ceasefire.
Ongoing Military Exchanges
The United States and Iran have exchanged strikes for a second consecutive day, increasing pressure on an already fragile regional security situation. know more
US President Donald Trump recently warned that Iran could face stronger action if it delayed efforts to reach a peace agreement.
Background to the Conflict
The current conflict began after joint US and Israeli military operations targeted Iran in February.
Iran responded by launching attacks against Israel and several US-allied countries in the Gulf region, leading to a wider regional confrontation that continues to escalate.
