3 Attacks in 3 Days: How Ships With Indian Crew Came Under Attack Amid US-Iran Conflict

Three

attacks in three days near the Strait of Hormuz have put Indian seafarers in the line of fire amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. The latest attack on a commercial vehicle was reported on Thursday, June 11.

Third Vessel Comes Under Attack

A commercial vessel, MT Jalveer, has come under attack off the Oman coast, with Indian sailors reported to be on board. Details of casualties or damage were not immediately clear as authorities monitor the situation. While the vessel has been recognised as 'MT Jalveer' by the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI), an official confirmation is still awaited.

"We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off Shinas port of Oman, earlier today . We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details," the Indian Embassy in Oman said.

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Three Indians Confirmed Dead in Settebello Attack

TankerSettebello, carrying 24 Indian nationals, was attacked off the Oman coast. Initially, 21 crew members were rescued, while three were reported to be missing. India's Shipping and Port Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Thursday confirmed that the three Indian nationals who went missing were confirmed to be dead.

"It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified," Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, posted on X (formerly Twitter). "I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites," he added.The attack was carried out by the US Central Command, which alleged that the vessel violated the ongoing US blockade of the Iranian ports by attempting to transport oil from Iran.

India's MEA Issues Demarche To Top US Diplomat

India on Wednesday summoned the US charge d'affaires to strongly protest the strike. Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks was handed demarche or diplomatic note of protests over the incident, according to a report by news agency PTI.In its official reaction, New Delhi strongly condemned the strike and said the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in West Asia must end, and free and unimpeded navigation through the international waterways should be restored at the earliest.

The FIRST Attack: 24 Rescued From MT Marivex

A fire erupted on Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman on Monday (June 8). Hours later, all the crew members were safely evacuated. The attack was launched by the US Navy and the rescue operation was carried out by Omani authorities.

The Indian embassy in Oman thanked the local authorities for rescuing the Indian crew members of the vessel. "We are thankful to the Omani authorities for their swift response and rescue of all the 24 crew members of Indian nationality, onboard MT Marivex, and ensuring their safety," it said in a social media post.According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, "there was some exchange of communication between the ship and the US Navy before the incident." According to reports, thee vessel, MT Marivex, was blacklisted and sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the financial intelligence and enforcement agency of the US Treasury Department. The OFAC acts against vessels involved in violating US sanctions on the sale of Iranian and Russian oil.