Third Merchant Vessel Attacked Off Oman Coast As 3 Missing Sailors Declared Dead

A commercial vessel, the MT Jalveer, has been attacked off the coast of Oman, with Indian crew members reportedly on board. It remains unclear whether there have been any casualties or damage, as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

This marks the third vessel to be targeted near the Strait of Hormuz in recent days. Earlier, two separate ships carrying Indian nationals came under attack off the Omani coast within the space of just three days.

The Indian Embassy in Oman said in a statement: "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 latest attack follows the confirmed deaths of three Indian seafarers who had gone missing after a US military strike on another commercial vessel off Oman. Twenty-one other Indian nationals were rescued following that incident.

#WATCH | Deoria, UP: Father of Indian sailor Shivanand Chaurasia, one of three sailors killed in the attack on oil tanker MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz, says, "... I received information about three people missing. Its been 9 months since he went..." pic.twitter.com/JAXa5T2FjH

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 11, 2026

Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, posted on X (formerly Twitter): "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."

He added: "This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi Government stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin. 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."

The attack on the MT Settebello came two days after a separate Palau-flagged vessel carrying 24 Indians was also struck by the US Navy. The US Central Command acknowledged the strike, stating that the vessel had violated the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports by attempting to transport oil from Iran.

The ship's management company has reportedly faced difficulties in establishing a stable network connection with the remaining seafarers on board. Casualties occurred after US Central Command forces used precision munitions against the oil tanker, citing the alleged breach of the blockade on Iranian oil.

#WATCH | Deoria, UP: Brother-in-law of Indian sailor Shivanand Chaurasia, one of three sailors killed in the attack on oil tanker MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz, says, "... He had gone overseas, and during the tanker attack, he was among the three missing... We spoke to… pic.twitter.com/BsHNKqZXBu

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 11, 2026

India Condemns Maritime Attacks and Calls for Lasting Peace

India has expressed serious concern over the rising frequency of attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf, warning that a wider conflict in West Asia would pose a significant threat to vital trade and energy routes.

Addressing the UN Security Council, India's Ambassador to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, called on all parties involved to prioritise diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation. He underscored the potential impact of the crisis on the nearly ten million Indian nationals living and working in the Gulf region.

Ambassador Harish stressed that stability in West Asia is essential not only for regional security but also for the global economy. New Delhi has signalled an urgent need for de-escalation to protect its citizens and safeguard critical supply chains.

Reiterating India's position, the Ambassador appealed to all sides to show restraint, protect civilians, and support political solutions through mediation, dialogue and sustained diplomatic efforts, both within the UN framework and beyond.

Condemning the attacks on merchant shipping, Ambassador Harish said: "India is also firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping as many of our nationals are prominent in its global workforce. Many Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of attacks against countries of the region and against merchant vessels and sea lanes of communication."

He added: "The intensification of the conflict and its spread to other nations have evoked great anxiety. The mounting destruction and deaths and cessation of normal life and economic activities have deeply impacted India, a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region."

India reiterated that the safety and welfare of its nearly ten million nationals in the Gulf remain a top priority for New Delhi, which continues to monitor developments closely and engage with regional partners to reduce risks to its citizens and communities.