Three Indian Sailors Missing After US Attack on Gulf Oil Tanker
US Central Command announced it had disabled the Palau‑flagged oil tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with US directions. The strike targeted the engine room with precision munitions, according to a post on X.
India reports that three sailors aboard the vessel are missing, while 21 crew members were rescued by Omani authorities. The government urged that “targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end.”
The incident is part of a broader U.S. blockade of Iranian shipping that began on 13 April. Since then, U.S. forces have disabled eight vessels and redirected 134, according to Central Command. Earlier this week, a Palau‑flagged tanker Marivex, also carrying an Indian crew, was struck under similar circumstances and its entire crew rescued by the same authorities.
Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated, with President Donald Trump threatening to hit Iran again after a recent downing of an American helicopter. The conflict began on 28 February after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian leadership, followed by Iran’s retaliatory attacks across the Gulf and into Israel. A ceasefire agreed in early April has yet to solidify, despite efforts to calm the region.
