Source BBC
A tragic maritime incident in the Gulf of Oman has claimed the lives of three Indian sailors after a United States military strike targeted an oil tanker earlier this week, intensifying concerns over the safety of civilian shipping in conflict-prone waters.
The vessel, identified as the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, was carrying a crew that included 24 Indian nationals when it came under attack near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The three sailors were initially reported missing but were later confirmed dead by Indian authorities following search and rescue operations.
According to U.S. Central Command, the tanker was struck after allegedly failing to comply with directives and attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of an ongoing maritime blockade. However, the ship’s management has denied any such links and has called for an independent international investigation into the incident.
Rescue teams, including the Omani Navy, managed to evacuate the remaining crew members after a fire broke out onboard due to the strike. A total of 21 sailors were rescued safely, highlighting both the scale of the incident and the narrow escape for others aboard.
The Indian government has strongly protested the attack, summoning a senior U.S. diplomat and urging restraint in the region. Officials emphasized the need to safeguard civilian seafarers, who form a critical part of global trade but often face risks in geopolitical conflicts.
This marks one of the first instances of Indian casualties linked to the ongoing U.S. operations aimed at enforcing restrictions on Iran’s oil trade. The incident has raised broader questions about maritime security in one of the world’s busiest and most sensitive shipping corridors.
With tensions escalating in the region, the deaths of the three Indian sailors serve as a grim reminder of the human cost of geopolitical confrontations at sea.
