The product tanker Settebello suffered a devastating engine room strike off Oman that left at least one seafarer dead and two others missing, marking the first reported crew casualties linked to the United States’ enforcement of its maritime blockade against Iranian oil exports.
The Palau-flagged tanker issued a distress call after an incident approximately 20 nautical miles off Sohar, near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel reported severe damage to its engine room, followed by a major fire that prompted an emergency evacuation.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces targeted the tanker after it allegedly failed to comply with instructions while transiting the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM said a U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the engine room after repeated warnings were ignored, describing the action as part of ongoing efforts to enforce restrictions on Iranian oil shipments.
Casualty reports have varied as rescue operations continued. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) initially reported one casualty and two missing crew members. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 21 Indian seafarers had been rescued but said three Indian crew members remained unaccounted for.
The Royal Navy of Oman assisted in the evacuation and search-and-rescue operation after receiving distress messages from the vessel. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene as fire and heavy smoke spread through the engine room.
The incident has triggered strong reactions from maritime and governmental authorities. India condemned the attack and warned that continued attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure were undermining maritime safety and regional stability. The ministry called for de-escalation and the restoration of safe navigation through international waterways.
International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez also expressed concern over the incident, stressing that all actions affecting commercial shipping must respect international law and the safety of life at sea.
MV Settebello has previously been linked by shipping intelligence providers to the transport of Iranian petroleum products. However, parties claiming to represent the vessel’s managers disputed allegations that the tanker was actively carrying Iranian oil, stating the ship had been drifting off Oman awaiting instructions and was not engaged in cargo operations at the time of the strike. Other industry reports indicated the tanker may have been partially laden.
The incident occurred amid escalating military tensions across the region and just one day after U.S. forces disabled another tanker, Marivex, during blockade enforcement operations. According to CENTCOM, eight vessels have now been disabled, 134 ships redirected and 42 humanitarian vessels permitted to continue their voyages since the blockade began on April 13.
