Three Indian Sailors Dead in US Strike Off Oman; India Protests

Three Indian sailors are confirmed dead following a U.S. military operation that targeted a tanker off the coast of Oman. The incident occurred as part of Washington's ongoing blockade aimed at intercepting Iran-linked shipping.

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

Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the tragic deaths, stating, "Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified." The U.S. military's Central Command (Centcom) reported that a U.S. aircraft carried out a precision strike on the engine room of the Palau-flagged oil products tanker Settebello.

Centcom stated the strike was necessary because the "crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces." India's foreign ministry condemned the attack and confirmed that 21 Indian sailors had been rescued. The Omani Navy responded to the Settebello's distress call after it reported an engine fire post-strike.

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fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces

In response to the incident, India summoned the U.S. deputy chief of mission to the country, lodging a "strong protest." The U.S. blockade, which began on April 13, has reportedly disabled eight ships and turned back over 100 others. The Settebello was targeted for allegedly attempting to transport oil from Iran. India, a major supplier of seafarers globally, expressed its condemnation of actions endangering maritime safety.

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I strongly condemn any act from any party that endangers the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping. This is simply unacceptable.