Three Indian seafarers are missing after Oman rescues 21 others following a US attack on the Palau-flagged Settebello.
India has summoned a senior US diplomat following a US strike on a Palau-flagged vessel carrying 24 Indian sailors off Oman’s coast, which resulted in three seafarers going missing.
India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Al Jazeera on Wednesday that it had summoned Jason Meeks, the deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in New Delhi.
CENTCOM reported that it conducted a “precision” strike on the Settebello, a vessel transiting the Gulf of Oman with Iranian oil, after the crew allegedly failed to follow US instructions.
The ship, a chemical and oil products tanker, reported an engine-room fire 20 nautical miles (approximately 37 km) northeast of Oman’s Sohar port, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency.
The Omani navy responded to the Settebello’s distress call, as noted by the British maritime risk management group Vanguard.
Twenty-one Indian sailors have been rescued, while three remain missing, the Indian Foreign Ministry said, condemning the violence and urging an end to attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region.
“Our embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation,” the ministry said. “The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end.”
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, condemned any act that endangers seafarers’ lives and the safety of international shipping, stating it is unacceptable.
“This is simply unacceptable. My thoughts are with the families of the three missing seafarers and with all those awaiting news of the crew members,” he said.
The incident intensifies legal and ethical questions surrounding the US naval blockade of Iran, which has adversely impacted its allies, and may further strain India‑US relations, already considered at a historic low.
Pressure from opposition
The Indian government faced mounting pressure from opposition parties to publicly challenge the US over the strike, after it had not protested a separate US attack on an Indian‑crewed vessel earlier in the week.
Since the US‑Israel conflict against Iran began on February 28, at least two other Indian‑flagged vessels have been struck, prompting India to summon the Iranian ambassador in April in response.
President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of Iran in mid‑April, aiming to compel Tehran to accept terms for a permanent end to hostilities.
The blockade is believed to have markedly reduced Iran’s oil exports, though Iranian officials have shown no indication of capitulating to Washington’s demands.