Indian marine killed, two missing in US attack on merchant vessel off Oman
New Delhi : An Indian mariner was killed and two others went missing after a US military attack targeted the merchant vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, triggering a diplomatic protest from New Delhi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the UK Maritime Trade Operations said it received a report of an incident 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, Oman.
A tanker experienced a fire in the engine room, leaving one crew member dead and two missing. Sources in India said the two missing mariners “have not been accounted for” on board the vessel. Another 21 Indian mariners on board were rescued by Omani authorities.In response to the attack, New Delhi tonight issued a demarche to US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks in protest against the strike on the commercial vessel.
The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, saying the continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are “deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict.” It reiterated the immediate need for de-escalation and restoration of free navigation in international waterways.
The incident came amid fresh escalation between the US and Iran. President Donald Trump warned of “attacking them, and attacking them very hard,” hours after Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan came under Iranian fire.
The US Central Command said it carried out “self-defence strikes” against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz.
