Key Takeaways

• Two Indian seafarers confirmed dead, one missing after U.S. strike on Settebello.
• U.S. Central Command cites blockade violation for the precision munition attack.
• India lodges strong protest; Ministry condemns attacks on commercial shipping.
• Tanker had previous ties to China and was reportedly held by U.S. Navy.

The attack on the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello by U.S. forces has resulted in the deaths of two Indian seafarers and left a third missing, according to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India. The incident occurred off the coast of Oman on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, escalating tensions in the region significantly.

Manoj Yadav, general secretary of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India, identified the deceased as Aditya Sharma, a deck cadet, and Shivanand Chaurasiya, an engine fitter. Chief engineer Patnala Suresh remains unaccounted for. Earlier reports from the Indian government had listed all three sailors as missing before the union provided specific identification of the casualties. Twenty-one other Indian seafarers were successfully rescued from the vessel, which had been hit by U.S. “precision munitions.”

U.S. Central Command stated that the ship violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran. Centcom released a video on X showing the strike, explaining that a U.S. aircraft fired into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces. The attack marks the second such incident in two days, following a strike on the oil tanker Marivex off Oman, from which 24 Indian sailors were also rescued.

The Ministry of External Affairs summoned U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Jason Meeks to lodge a strong protest. The ministry described the continuing incidents of attacks on shipping as “deeply worrisome” and a direct result of the ongoing conflict. They urged an end to the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure, calling for the restoration of free navigation in keeping with international law.

Maritime intelligence website Lloyd’s List reported that the tanker had been among many vessels waiting off Duqm, Oman, reportedly held by the U.S. Navy. Earlier, UK Maritime Trade Operations issued an alert regarding an incident 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, noting a fire in the engine room and one casualty with two crew members missing. British maritime security company Vanguard Tech reported that the ship had transmitted a distress call stating its engine room was struck by a missile, with no environmental impact reported.

Tanker History and Regional Implications

The Settebello, identified as a sanctioned vessel by TankerTrackers.com, had a recent history involving China. Tracker data indicated the ship had visited China twice, in March and April. It discharged cargo at Lianyungang port from April 27 to May 3 before setting sail from Singapore on May 12. This recent activity highlights the complex web of sanctions and trade routes that continue to draw commercial vessels into dangerous zones of geopolitical contention.

The incident underscores the severe risks facing Indian maritime workers in conflict zones. With multiple strikes in a short period, the safety protocols and diplomatic responses of nations with significant seafaring populations are being tested. The Indian government’s active coordination with Omani authorities for search and rescue operations reflects the immediate humanitarian concern, while the diplomatic protests signal a broader strategic anxiety about the stability of international waterways.

Future Outlook for Maritime Security in the Gulf

Omani Coast and Navigation Safety Challenges

The recurring attacks on commercial tankers off the Omani coast suggest a prolonged period of instability for global energy transport. As the conflict persists, the likelihood of further incidents involving Indian and other national crews remains high, necessitating stronger international diplomatic pressure to enforce safe passage corridors. The integration of sanctioned vessels into these trade routes continues to blur the lines between legitimate commerce and blockade violation, potentially leading to increased naval confrontations and further casualties among seafarers until a clearer resolution to the regional conflict is established.