The International Maritime Organisation’s Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, denounced the US assault on a tanker that resulted in the deaths of three Indian crew members. Dominguez expressed strong disapproval of any actions jeopardizing seafarers’ lives and international shipping safety, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the incident involving the Settebello tanker. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased seafarers and those awaiting updates on the crew members.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 21 Indian sailors were rescued from the ship, while three lost their lives in the attack. The US Central Command accused the Setebello of transporting oil from Iran and disclosed that its aircraft targeted the ship’s engine with precision munitions during its passage through the Gulf of Oman. The attack, as reported by the IMO, led to a fire onboard and left three seafarers missing.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency identified the attack location approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of the Omani port of Sohar. The CENTCOM released a video of the assault on the Setebello and mentioned disabling another tanker, Marivex, for allegedly breaching the US blockade of Iranian ports. Dominguez stressed the importance of upholding international law and ensuring seafarers’ safety in all actions concerning international shipping.
India lodged a protest with the US Embassy over the incident, emphasizing the cessation of targeting commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region. Details about the Setebello’s origin and destination remain undisclosed, although tracking data indicated its last known location heading towards Khorfakkan in the United Arab Emirates.
