At least two crew members are missing and one is injured after U.S. forces disabled a tanker in the Gulf of Oman late Tuesday. This incident seems to mark the first reported injuries among sailors due to the U.S. marit...
At least two crew members are missing and one is injured after U.S. forces disabled a tanker in the Gulf of Oman late Tuesday. This incident seems to mark the first reported injuries among sailors due to the U.S. maritime blockade of Iran.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the Palau-flagged tanker M/T Settebello was disabled around 11:14 p.m. on June 9. This action took place after the vessel allegedly refused to follow orders while passing through the Gulf of Oman.
According to CENTCOM, a U.S. aircraft targeted the ship's engine room with precision munitions after the crew ignored multiple directives from American forces.
The military characterized this operation as part of their ongoing efforts to uphold the blockade on Iranian oil exports.
In a statement, CENTCOM noted, “U.S. forces disabled the Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it was transiting the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft targeted the vessel’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with American instructions.”
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency first reported an incident involving a tanker about 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, Oman. Local authorities were informed of an engine room fire and began evacuation procedures after the vessel sent out distress signals.
UKMTO stated that there was one reported casualty and two crew members were missing, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations.
According to Reuters, citing maritime security sources, the ship involved was the Settebello, and the incident is likely connected to U.S. blockade activities.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 21 Indian crew members had been rescued, while three Indian sailors remained unaccounted for.