Three Indian sailors have been confirmed dead after a US military strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, marking the first reported fatalities involving seafarers since Washington launched its blockade of Iran-linked shipping in April.

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India's Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the three crew members, who were initially reported missing, had now been identified following recovery efforts.

“Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified,” Sonowal said.

Tanker targeted by US forces

The incident involved the Palau-flagged oil products tanker Settebello, which was struck by US forces while transiting the Gulf of Oman.

According to the US military’s United States Central Command, an American aircraft fired precision munitions into the vessel’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with instructions from US forces. CENTCOM said the tanker was attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of the ongoing US blockade.

The blockade, which began on April 13, has so far disabled eight vessels deemed non-compliant, redirected 134 ships and allowed 42 humanitarian vessels to proceed, according to the US military.

India protests attack

India’s foreign ministry condemned the strike and said 21 of the 24 Indian crew members aboard the tanker had been rescued. The ministry said its embassy in Oman had worked closely with local authorities during search and rescue operations.

New Delhi also summoned the US deputy chief of mission and lodged a strong protest over the incident, according to Indian media reports and officials familiar with the matter.

The Omani Navy responded to the vessel’s distress call after the tanker reported an engine-room fire following the strike.

Growing risks for Indian seafarers

The deaths come amid heightened tensions in the region and increasing risks for commercial shipping operating near the Strait of Hormuz.

Separately, the Indian embassy in Oman reported another maritime incident involving a tanker off the Omani coast. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India identified the vessel as the MT Jalveer, although details remain limited.

Earlier this week, US forces also disabled the tanker Marivex in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly attempted to sail to an Iranian port. All Indian crew members aboard that vessel were rescued safely.

India is one of the world's largest suppliers of seafarers, with more than 300,000 Indian nationals serving on international merchant vessels.

IMO condemns threats to seafarers

Responding to the incident, Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization, condemned actions that place sailors and commercial shipping at risk.

“I strongly condemn any act from any party that endangers the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping. This is simply unacceptable,” he said on Wednesday.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 June 2026

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