India Confirms Three Seafarers Killed After US Strike on Tanker Off Oman; Another Vessel Hit in Gulf of Oman
US Military Actions Against Tankers in Gulf of Oman Raise Maritime Security Concerns as Indian Crew Members Affected
India has confirmed that three Indian seafarers were killed following a United States military strike on a tanker off the coast of Oman, while a separate vessel carrying Indian crew members was also targeted in another incident linked to US operations in the Gulf of Oman.
The latest maritime incident involved the Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker MT Jalveer, which was struck by the US military off Oman. The attack occurred a day after the US military fired on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello, also operating off the Omani coast.
MT Settebello had 24 Indian sailors on board. Three crew members who were initially reported missing after Wednesday’s attack were officially confirmed dead on Thursday.
The incidents come at a sensitive diplomatic moment, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to hold bilateral discussions with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) Summit.
India Confirms Death of Three Seafarers
India’s Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, expressed condolences following the deaths of the three Indian crew members aboard MT Settebello.
“It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello,” Sonowal said in an official statement.
He confirmed that three Indian seafarers who had been reported missing were later identified among the deceased.
“I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites,” he added.
According to India’s Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), the deceased sailors have been identified as deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya, and Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh.
Following the attack on MT Settebello, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned a senior US diplomat in New Delhi and lodged what it described as a strong protest.
The US military had earlier stated that it targeted both MT Settebello and MT Marivex, tankers carrying Indian crew members.
All Indian Crew Safe After MT Jalveer Attack
India’s foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on Thursday that the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer was attacked by the US Navy.
Shortly afterward, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it had disabled another oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman.
According to CENTCOM, MT Jalveer was attempting to transport Iranian oil through the Gulf of Oman when US forces intervened.
“US Central Command acted against Guinea-Bissau-flagged M/T Jalveer as it attempted to transport oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman. A US aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from US forces,” CENTCOM said.
The vessel later transmitted a distress signal near Oman’s Port of Shinas after a fire erupted around the engine room and funnel, according to British maritime risk management company Vanguard.
An official from India’s shipping ministry confirmed that all 20 Indian crew members aboard MT Jalveer were safe and evacuation operations were underway.
Images shared by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India on social media showed crew members being airlifted from the vessel by helicopter while thick black smoke rose from the ship’s bridge and accommodation areas.
The Indian Embassy in Oman stated that it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities.
Maritime Tensions Escalate in Gulf Waters
The latest incidents come amid growing instability linked to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran and increasing tensions across key shipping lanes in the Gulf region.
Torbjorn Soltved, an analyst with global risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft, said recent developments indicate a continuing low-intensity conflict that is placing additional pressure on maritime security and regional stability.
According to Soltved, both Washington and Tehran are seeking to negotiate from positions of strength.
He noted that the United States appears to believe it can increase pressure on Iran through military and economic measures, while Iran continues to use pressure on shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz to influence broader global economic conditions and strengthen its negotiating position.
US Says Tankers Violated Iran Blockade
CENTCOM previously stated that MT Settebello and MT Marivex were disabled for allegedly violating the ongoing US blockade against Iran.
According to the US military, MT Settebello was transporting Iranian oil, while MT Marivex was attempting to sail to an Iranian port.
Earlier, on June 8, Omani authorities evacuated 24 Indian sailors from MT Marivex after the vessel was attacked by US forces.
The latest incidents highlight growing risks for commercial shipping, tanker operations, maritime trade routes, and international seafarers operating in the Gulf of Oman and the wider Middle East maritime region.
Read: OPEC+ Poised for Fourth Consecutive Oil Output Increase Amid Strait of Hormuz Supply Crisis
