Two crew members missing after suspected US missile strike on tanker off Oman
Two crew members went missing and one was injured Wednesday after a suspected U.S. missile strike on the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello off Oman's coast, according to maritime security officials. The incident occurred as part of U.S. operations to enforce a blockade of Iran-related shipping that began in April. The strike highlights escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region over enforcement of sanctions against Iranian oil transport.
A chemical/oil products tanker called the Settebello reported an engine room fire approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman's port of Sohar on Wednesday, resulting in two missing crew members and one injury. British maritime security group Ambrey assessed the incident as likely resulting from U.S. missile operations targeting vessels attempting to breach the blockade of Iranian ports. The U.S. began enforcing this blockade on April 13 after Iran curtailed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz; as of June 8, U.S. Central Command reported disabling seven non-compliant vessels, redirecting 134 others, and allowing 42 humanitarian aid vessels to pass. The targeted vessels include Iranian ships and older "shadow fleet" tankers operating under various flags to obscure their connection to sanctioned Iranian oil transport. The Settebello's India-based operator could not be reached for comment, and the Omani Navy responded to the distress call.
What's missing
The article does not include a direct statement from U.S. Central Command or the U.S. military confirming or denying responsibility for striking the Settebello specifically, though it does reference U.S. operations and a recent strike on another vessel (Marivex). The article also does not provide information about the vessel's cargo or confirmed destination.
What different sources said
- The Straits TimesCenter
Two crew missing after suspected US strike on tanker off Oman
- EuronewsCenter
One dead and two missing in missile strike on tanker near Oman
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