▲ U.S. forces in the Strait of Hormuz
The United States has attacked a Palau-flagged oil tanker in the waters off Oman, citing violations of the maritime blockade against Iran, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals.
According to Reuters on June 11 (local time), the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on June 10 (local time) that it had "neutralized a vessel attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of maritime blockade measures in the Gulf of Oman at 11:14 p.m. on June 9."
The neutralized vessel was identified as the Palau-flagged Settebello. The U.S. military reported that its fighter jets conducted precision strikes targeting the engine room after the vessel repeatedly failed to comply with orders.
CENTCOM also previously attacked another Palau-flagged vessel, the Maribex, which was heading toward Iran on June 8.
The U.S. military stated that since the commencement of the maritime blockade against Iran on April 13, it has neutralized 8 vessels that refused to comply with blockade orders, turned back 134 ships, and permitted the passage of 42 humanitarian aid vessels.
The Indian government stated that 24 Indian crew members were on board the Settebello. While 21 were rescued, three have died.
The three victims had been reported missing until yesterday, but their deaths were confirmed today.
Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said on X, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragic incident involving the Settebello," adding, "Unfortunately, the three Indian crew members who were initially reported missing have been found dead, and their identities have been confirmed."
He added, "I have instructed the relevant authorities to immediately repatriate the rescued crew members and the remains of the deceased," and stated that the government "will provide full support to the bereaved families."
Yesterday, India summoned Jason Mix, the Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in India, to lodge a protest.
In a statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs did not explicitly name the U.S. but expressed "grave concern over the continued attacks on vessels in the region," urging for "an immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution through negotiations to restore peace and stability in the region."
The ministry emphasized, "Attacks targeting merchant ships and civilian facilities must stop," and added that "freedom of navigation in the region and trade through international waterways, in accordance with international law, must be restored at an early date."
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), also condemned the U.S. military's attack on the Settebello.
He stated that it was "completely unacceptable," emphasizing that "the protection of seafarers must be considered a shared responsibility of the highest priority."
The IMO reported that since the start of the Middle East war at the end of February, there have been 43 attacks on international shipping vessels.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.