Three Indian Sailors Killed in a US Strike in the Gulf of Oman
US strike on tanker kills three Indians, escalating Gulf maritime tensions
- Publish date: since 8 hours Reading time: two min read
A tragic incident in the Gulf of Oman has resulted in the deaths of three Indian nationals after a United States missile strike targeted a commercial tanker. The attack, which occurred late Tuesday near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, has intensified diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Washington.
The Attack on MT Settebello
The vessel identified as the Palau-flagged MT Settebello was struck by a "precision munition" fired by the US military's Central Command. The US authorities alleged that the ship had violated an established blockade by attempting to transport oil originating from Iran while failing to comply with instructions to halt.
While the majority of the more than 20 Indian crew members aboard were rescued, three sailors were initially reported missing. India's Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed on Thursday that the bodies of Shivang Chaurasia, Aditya Sharma, and Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh have been recovered. Union representatives noted that two of the sailors died immediately upon impact, while the search for the chief engineer continued until his remains were located.
Diplomatic Fallout
In response to the incident, the Indian government lodged a formal protest and summoned the US chargé d'affaires, Jason Meeks, to deliver a strong demarche. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian vessels, emphasizing that free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways must be restored in accordance with international law.
New Delhi has directed officials to ensure the immediate repatriation of the surviving crew members and the swift return of the deceased for their final rites.
Escalating Regional Tensions
This attack is part of a broader surge in violence affecting commercial maritime traffic in the region. Since late February, following the onset of conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, at least 43 ships have been targeted in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
On Thursday, reports emerged of a second incident involving a fire in the engine room of a tanker off the Omani port of Shinas, north-east of Sohar. While the cause of this fire remains undetermined, the Indian embassy in Oman confirmed it is monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities. The repeated attacks have raised concerns among global traders about the potential disruption to energy supplies and the stability of one of the world's most critical shipping lanes.