Three Indian Missing After US Hits Two Tankers Off Oman Coast 

New Delhi: Maritime tensions in the Gulf of Oman intensified this week after two Palau-flagged tankers carrying Indian seafarers were struck in separate incidents linked to ongoing US enforcement actions against vessels accused of violating the American blockade on Iranian oil shipments. 

Early reports suggests that the attacks have left one Indian crew member dead and two others missing, while dozens of Indian nationals have been rescued.  

The first incident occurred on June 8 when the tanker MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian crew members, was disabled by US forces in the Gulf of Oman. According to US Central Command, the vessel allegedly attempted to proceed towards an Iranian port despite repeated warnings. An F/A-18 Super Hornet operating from the USS Abraham Lincoln fired a precision munition targeting the ship’s engineering and steering sections, leading to a fire onboard.  

Distress calls from the vessel reported that the tanker was on fire and taking on water. Omani authorities launched a rescue operation and evacuated all 24 Indian crew members to safety. No casualties were reported in the Marivex incident. Indian authorities later confirmed that all seafarers had been rescued and were safe.  

A second and more serious incident unfolded on June 10 involving the tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman. The vessel suffered a major strike that reportedly hit its engine room, triggering a fire and prompting an emergency distress call. Omani naval and rescue authorities responded to assist in firefighting and evacuation efforts.  

India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 21 Indian crew members were rescued from the vessel, while three Indian nationals remain missing. Maritime officials indicated that the tanker may have been struck by a suspected US missile. Reports from the region suggest at least one Indian crew member was killed during the incident, though search and rescue operations remain underway.  

The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the commercial vessel and said the Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating closely with local authorities to assist the affected crew members and support ongoing rescue efforts.  

The two incidents represent a significant escalation in maritime enforcement operations in the Gulf of Oman amid heightened tensions surrounding Iranian oil exports. The MT Marivex had previously been sanctioned by the United States for alleged involvement in the Iranian oil trade, while US authorities stated that the vessel had repeatedly attempted to evade blockade measures before being disabled.  

As rescue operations continue for the missing Indian seafarers from MT Settebello, Indian authorities remain in contact with Omani officials and are closely monitoring developments in the strategically important shipping corridor.