US attacks oil tanker near Strait of Hormuz, three sailors missing

US forces announced they "neutralized" an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, resulting in three Indian sailors going missing.

US Central Command (CENTCOM), the agency overseeing US military operations in the Middle East, announced on X on 10/6 that US forces had neutralized the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello on 9/6 as the vessel transited the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM accused the Settebello of carrying oil from Iran, violating a blockade Washington imposed on Tehran's ports in the Gulf. A fighter jet precisely attacked the ship's engine room after the crew did not comply with instructions from US forces.

Moment US forces attacked the oil tanker Settebello. *Video: X/CENTCOM*

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs on the same day condemned "the attack on the merchant vessel Settebello".

"Of the 24 Indian sailors on board, 21 have been rescued, and three remain missing," according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. "The Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with the host country in search and rescue operations."

India expressed concern over targeted maritime activity in the region and called on all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions. An Indian official stated the country summoned the US Deputy Ambassador in New Delhi to "strongly protest" the attack on the Settebello.

The oil tanker Settebello in Quintero, Chile in 2008. *Photo: Marine Traffic*

The Gulf of Oman connects the Strait of Hormuz, a focal point in the conflict between the US - Israel and Iran, to the Arabian Sea. In peacetime, Hormuz is a sea lane transporting 20% of the world's oil supply from the Gulf region, with merchant vessels permitted free passage under international law.

Since hostilities broke out in late February, Iran has blockaded Hormuz, allowing passage only for "friendly" nations' ships, citing national security. The US also imposed a blockade on Iranian seaports from 13/4, prohibiting all vessels trading with Iran from leaving the Gulf region.

CENTCOM stated on 10/6 that US forces had neutralized eight non-compliant vessels, redirected 134 ships, and allowed 42 humanitarian aid vessels to pass.