Tanker With Indian Crew Was Drifting With Engine Off Before US Strike in Gulf of Oman: Report

A merchant tanker carrying Indian crew members was reportedly struck by a US military attack while drifting in the Gulf of Oman after its engines had been shut down following an onboard fire, according to reports. The incident has drawn international attention as fresh details emerge about the circumstances leading up to the strike. The vessel, identified as Settebello, is said to have lost propulsion after an engine-room fire, leaving it unable to move in one of the world's busiest maritime corridors. Reports indicate the ship had been drifting for several hours with its engines switched off while awaiting assistance when it was hit.

The attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of three Indian crew members, while several others sustained injuries. Rescue operations were launched soon after the strike, and authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage. According to US officials, the tanker was allegedly transporting Iranian crude oil in violation of American sanctions on Tehran's energy exports. Washington has maintained that the operation was part of its broader efforts to curb Iran's oil trade amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Reports suggesting that the vessel was immobilized and not actively navigating at the time of the strike have raised new questions about the sequence of events. Maritime experts note that disabled commercial ships are generally considered particularly vulnerable, making the incident a subject of close international scrutiny.

The Gulf of Oman, located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, remains one of the world's most important shipping routes, with a significant share of global oil exports passing through the region each day. Rising military tensions have increased risks for commercial vessels, prompting shipping companies to strengthen security measures and reassess operations in high-risk waters.

India has one of the world's largest merchant marine workforces, with thousands of Indian seafarers serving aboard international cargo ships and oil tankers. The latest incident has renewed concerns over the safety of civilian crews operating in conflict zones and highlighted the growing challenges faced by the global shipping industry. Investigations into the strike and the events leading up to it are ongoing. Maritime authorities and governments are expected to closely examine the incident as calls grow for greater protection of commercial vessels navigating volatile international waters.