Indian seafarers caught in deadly Gulf of Oman shipping attacks

Indian seafarers have been caught in a series of maritime incidents near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with multiple attacks reported over a three-day period.

The latest incident involved the commercial vessel MT Jalveer off the coast of Oman on June 11, with Indian sailors reported on board. Details regarding casualties or damage were not immediately available as authorities continued to monitor the situation. The vessel has been identified as MT Jalveer by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), although official confirmation is still awaited, Times Now reports.

India strongly condemned the repeated incidents involving commercial vessels in the region, describing them as “unacceptable”. The Ministry of External Affairs said secure international navigation routes must be ensured and expressed concern over attacks affecting civilian shipping. It also confirmed that all Indian crew members involved in earlier incidents were safe following intervention by Omani authorities.

“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.

Another vessel, MT Settebello, carrying 24 Indian nationals, was attacked off the Oman coast. While 21 crew members were rescued, three were initially reported missing. India’s Shipping and Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal later confirmed that all three missing Indians had died.

“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,” Sonowal said.

He added: “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.”

A third vessel, MT Marivex, also came under attack earlier in the week in the Gulf of Oman, but all 24 Indian crew members were safely evacuated. The Indian Embassy in Oman thanked local authorities for the rescue operation, saying: “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.”

According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, “there was some exchange of communication between the ship and the US Navy before the incident.”

Reports indicate MT Marivex had been blacklisted by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for alleged violations of sanctions related to Iranian and Russian oil shipments. The US Central Command has said it carried out the strike, alleging the vessel was attempting to transport oil from Iran in violation of a blockade.

India has summoned the US charge d’affaires to protest the strikes and strongly condemned attacks on commercial shipping, calling for the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation in international waters.

By Vafa Guliyeva