ShippingTelegraph: Three crew missing, 21 rescued after tanker attack off Oman: India Gov, IMO
Published by ShippingTelegraph
Three Indian seafarers went reportedly missing after an attack on the oil products tanker Settebello off the coast of Oman.
Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far, and three Indians are reportedly missing, the ministry of external affairs of India said Wednesday in a statement.
India’s external affairs ministry condemned the attack and said that “the continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome” and a “direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region.”
The ministry reiterated its 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 Middle East 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,” it said in the statement, adding that its embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
The Indian embassy in Oman also posted an update on X. “We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off the coast of Oman. We are closely monitoring the situation and in close touch with the local authorities. We shall update soon,” the embassy said in its statement. This is the second serious incident of a tanker being damaged in few days.
Earlier in the day, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) posted on X: “There are better measures that could save the lives of seafarers instead of direct attacks on ships – especially when everyone onboard is known to be Indian and foreign nationals. Someone must take responsibility. Seafarers’ lives should not be put at stake due to geopolitical conflicts. Attacked by US with casualties onboard.”
Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) expressed deep concern and strong condemnation of the attack on the tanker Settebello (IMO 9162916) sailing off the coast of Oman.
The incident, which occurred near the Strait of Hormuz and is reported to have followed a projectile strike against the vessel, IMO said, resulted in a fire on board and three seafarers reported missing.
Dominguez condemned the attack, mentioning that any act from any party that endangers the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping “is simply unacceptable.”
“My thoughts are with the families of the three missing seafarers and with all those awaiting news of the crew members.”
The secretary-general recalled the conclusions of the IMO Council at its extraordinary session, which underscored the need to protect seafarers, civilian shipping and the freedom of navigation at all times.
“All actions affecting international shipping must fully respect international law and the safety of life at sea. The protection of seafarers is a shared responsibility that must remain paramount,” he said.
IMO said it is monitoring the situation closely and calls for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement on Wednesday, taking responsibility for the attack.
Cargo ship exchanges fire with armed craft southwest of Yemen
In another incident on Wednesday, a cargo vessel reported being approached by a small craft carrying six armed people about 88 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Balhaf on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.
Providing specific operational details regarding the nature of the incident, UKMTO noted that “a cargo vessel has reported being approached by one craft with 6 armed persons onboard” whilst transiting the region.
According to a report submitted by the master, the cargo ship’s armed security team responded to the threat as the unidentified boat approached the vessel.
The armed security personnel retaliated after the attackers opened fire, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire.
Following the confrontation, the small craft turned away, UKMTO said.
In its advisory, the UKMTO urged ships operating in the region to exercise extreme caution, maintain a high level of vigilance, and immediately report any suspicious activity.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the incident, and authorities were investigating.
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