---
title: "US Strike on the Settebello Tanker: Death of Indian Sailors and a Diplomatic Crisis"
description: "The US struck the Settebello tanker in the Gulf of Oman, accusing it of transporting Iranian oil. India confirmed the death of three of its sailors and lodged a firm protest with Washington. 🇺🇸🇮🇳🔥"
date: 2026-06-11T12:50:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/us-strike-on-the-settebello-tanker-death-of-indian-sailors-and-a-diplomatic-crisis
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# US Strike on the Settebello Tanker: Death of Indian Sailors and a Diplomatic Crisis

![Burning tanker Settebello after US strike, fireboats extinguishing flames](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/11/udar-ssha-po-tankeru-settebello-gibel-indiiskikh-moreakov/udar-ssha-po-tankeru-settebello-gibel-indiiskikh-moreakov-1.webp)

A serious international incident has erupted in the Gulf of Oman. The Ministry of Shipping of India has officially confirmed the death of three Indian sailors following a strike by the US Armed Forces on the oil tanker *Settebello*. New Delhi has lodged a firm protest with Washington, demanding clarification on the circumstances of the tragedy.

### Timeline of Events: From Blockade to Attack

According to the US Central Command, the operation was carried out on June 9. American forces attacked the vessel, which was sailing under the flag of Palau, in the waters of the Gulf of Oman. According to the US version of events, the tanker violated a naval blockade and attempted to transport Iranian oil through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

In an official statement, the US Command stated that the strike was directed at the engine room after the crew refused to comply with military demands. Notably, initial reports from the American side contained no information whatsoever about casualties or injuries on board.

### Tragedy on Board: 24 Sailors, Three Dead

The true picture of the tragedy only became clear two days later. On June 11, India's Minister of Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal, made a statement refuting the claim that there were no casualties. According to him, there were 24 Indian citizens on board. Initially, three of them were listed as missing, but later their bodies were recovered and identified.

The rescue operation allowed 21 people to be evacuated from the vessel. The Minister described the incident as tragic, emphasizing the depth of the loss for the Indian side.

### New Delhi's Diplomatic Response

The confirmation of the deaths of citizens prompted an immediate diplomatic response. The Ministry of External Affairs of India summoned the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States in the country, Jason Mix. During the meeting, the Indian side conveyed a firm protest and demanded a detailed explanation of the reasons for the attack that resulted in human casualties.

### Background of Escalation

The incident involving the tanker occurred against the backdrop of a sharp deterioration of the situation in the region. Mutual strikes between the US and Iran have continued for the second day in a row. Another exchange of attacks was recorded on the night of June 11. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of progress in the negotiation process and the inability of the parties to reach an agreement.