Oil tanker Settebello on fire off Oman near Strait of Hormuz after suspected US strike, 1 sailor dead, 2 missing

New Delhi: An oil products tanker caught fire in the engine room on Wednesday, after what maritime-security sources described as a likely missile strike about 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, Oman, in waters close to the Strait of Hormuz. At least two crew members were reported missing and one, who was injured, reportedly dead. Omani authorities responding after the vessel sent a distress call.

The vessel has been identified as Palau-flagged Settebello, and UKMTO said Omani authorities were assisting with crew evacuation.

The incident was first reported around 3pm (0930 UTC) and quickly drew attention because of its location in one of the world’s most sensitive shipping lanes. Reports described the ship as a chemical and oil products tanker, while maritime-security monitor Ambrey said the event was likely connected to US operations aimed at blocking Iranian ports. Reuters quoting British maritime security group Ambrey also reported the damage as consistent with a US missile strike.

“This was likely the result of US operations to blockade Iranian ports,” Ambrey said, adding, “In the past, crews have been warned to gather on the bow of a vessel before an attack on the stern.”

US Central Command (Centcom) is yet to comment on the incident, which comes days after Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex was allegedly hit by the US military, as RNA Media had reported. In that incident, all 24 Indian crew members were rescued by Omani authorities.

The Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz remain critical transit routes for global energy shipments, and any attack or interception in that corridor raises immediate concerns over shipping security, insurance risk and the possibility of escalation. That is particularly so when the vessel involved is flagged in a third country and the reported strike is tied to a wider maritime enforcement campaign.

At this stage, key details remain unconfirmed, including the exact munition used, the platform that fired it and the final condition of the ship. What is clear is that the fire began in the engine room, the vessel was left damaged in open waters, and the incident has again put commercial shipping in the region under intense scrutiny.

Update: India condemns attack on Sattebellow, 21 Indian crew members rescued

Settebello had a crew of 24 Indians. The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement on Wednesday evening condemning the attack on the ship. It said: “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far, and 3 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation.”

The MEA further said: “The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest.”

This is a developing story …