India says US Navy behind attack on MT Settebello, lodges protest

The Centre on Thursday (June 11) said that the attack on Palau-flagged MT Settebello off the coast of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, that resulted in the death of three Indian sailors came from the US Navy stationed in the area. During a press conference, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that the affected ships were all foreign-flagged and not India-owned vessels.

‘Strong protest lodged’

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal further stated that the Government has lodged a strong protest with the Trump administration. He also said that the US CDA was summoned and the protest was registered.

Also Read: MT Settebello attack: Three missing Indian seafarers found dead, Sonowal confirms

"When this particular attack happened on Palau-flagged MT Settebello, we lodged a strong protest with the American side. We called in the American CDA, and informed them of our deepest concerns about the ongoing incidents of attacks, and we registered a strong protest with them,” said Jaiswal.

“These attacks came from the US Navy stationed there. The three ships that have been involved in the incidents are foreign-flagged. They are not Indian owned ships; they are all foreign flagships,” he added as quoted by ANI.

Shipping attacks ‘worrisome’

Elaborating further, Jaiswal stated that the attacks on shipping in the region have a direct connection with the ongoing West Asia conflict and termed it “deeply worrisome.”

“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. These attacks must cease and end. We also call for dialogue and diplomacy so that we can have an early return to peace and stability in the region,” he added.

Also Read: 24 Indian crew members rescued after missile attack on tanker off Oman coast

As for the evacuation of the crew from the stricken vessel MT Jalveer sailing off the coast of Oman, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Mukesh Mangal said that the 20 Indian seafarers on board, and all of them are reported to be safe.

“No casualties or injuries have been reported,” he added.

"On 11th June, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel, a bitumen tanker MT Jalveer, was reportedly involved in a maritime security incident in the vicinity of Shinas port, Oman. The vessel has 20 Indian seafarers on board, and all of them are reported to be safe. No casualties or injuries have been reported,” said Mangal.

Crew evacuation underway

“As per the latest information, the evacuation of crew members to Shinas port has commenced. Six more are to be evacuated. The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and is in continuous coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions abroad and the Indian Navy and other relevant stakeholders,” he added.

Also Read: Iran blocks Strait of Hormuz traffic, India issues urgent advisory for seafarers

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, currently 562 Indian seafarers are there on Indian flagged vessels, including 329 in the Persian Gulf region, west of Hormuz and 233 in the Gulf of Oman, east of Hormuz. “There are more than 18,000 Indian seafarers in total in the whole Gulf region,” stated Mangal.

Separately, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had taken action against a tanker operating in the Gulf of Oman, alleging that the vessel was attempting to move Iranian oil in violation of the maritime restrictions currently in place.

CENTCOM details action

The command said the ship was rendered inoperable after its crew repeatedly failed to comply with instructions issued by US forces. In a statement, CENTCOM identified the vessel as the Palau-flagged MT Settebello and said it was intercepted while passing through the Gulf of Oman on June 9.

It further stated that since the blockade was imposed on April 13, US forces have stopped eight vessels, diverted 134 others and permitted 42 humanitarian ships to continue their voyage.