Three Indian sailors have been confirmed dead after the United States military launched a precision strike on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The attack, carried out by US Central Command, targeted the Palau-flagged vessel MT Settebello, which the US alleged was violating an ongoing blockade on Iranian oil.
The Incident
On Wednesday night, June 9, 2026, at approximately 11:14 PM, US aircraft fired precision munitions at the MT Settebello’s engine room while the ship was sailing off Oman’s coast. The strike was part of an active military blockade preventing Iranian oil shipments.
Initially, three Indian seafarers were reported missing after the attack. Sadfully, their bodies were later located and identified, confirming their deaths.
The Victims
The three confirmed fatalities are:
- Aditya Sharma – Deck Cadet
- Shivanand Chaurasiya – Engine Fitter
- Patnala Suresh – Chief Engineer
All three were Indian nationals working on the vessel.
Crew Details
The MT Settebello carried a total of 28 crew members when it came under attack:
- 24 Indian nationals
- 2 Pakistanis
- 1 Ukrainian
- 1 Russian
Following the strike, 21 Indian crew members were rescued from the vessel.
US Justification
The United States stated that its military conducted a “precision” strike because the vessel was carrying oil from Iran and failed to follow US instructions during the active blockade. US Central Command confirmed that their aircraft specifically targeted the ship’s engine room using precision munitions.
India’s Strong Response
India has strongly condemned the attack. The Indian government summoned the US Charge d’Affaires to lodge a fierce official protest against the strike on the commercial vessel.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the Shipping Minister, confirmed the deaths and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss. He called it a devastating incident that underscores the dangers faced by seafarers in volatile regions.
India is now demanding an immediate end to targeting commercial shipping vessels in vital international waterways like the Gulf of Oman.
Part of a Larger Escalation
This attack marks the second US strike on a vessel near Oman in consecutive days. Another tanker also came under fire, raising concerns about escalating maritime violence in the region.
The incident has triggered significant geopolitical fallout, with experts warning that attacks on commercial shipping could disrupt global trade routes and increase tensions in West Asia.
What Happens Next
The rescued crew members are being provided medical care and support. India is working to repatriate the survivors and is expected to announce further diplomatic measures in response to the attack.
The three dead sailors’ families are being contacted, and the government is expected to announce compensation and support measures for them.
Global Concerns
This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in international waters. Maritime experts are calling for urgent international dialogue to prevent further attacks on civilian vessels and protect seafarers working in conflict zones.
The Gulf of Oman remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, with thousands of vessels passing through annually. Any disruption could have significant implications for global energy markets and trade.
