21 Indian Sailors Rescued After Missile Strike on Oil Tanker Near Oman; Three Missing

New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in the Gulf region, 21 Indian sailors have been rescued following a missile attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman. Three Indian crew members remain missing, and search operations are continuing at full scale, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The attack occurred early Wednesday morning and targeted the oil tanker Settebello, which was sailing near the Strait of Hormuz. A missile reportedly penetrated the vessel's engine room, triggering a major fire on board.

The tanker had a total crew of 28, including 24 Indian nationals. The vessel issued a distress signal while sailing approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar Port. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating closely with Omani authorities in the search-and-rescue operation for the missing Indians.

Attack Linked to Gulf Shipping Tensions

According to the British maritime security agency Ambrey, the attack may be connected to US naval enforcement measures aimed at restricting cargo movements to Iran. Maritime experts note that in such situations, crew members are often instructed to move to the front section of a vessel before strikes targeting the stern or engine areas.

The United States reportedly intensified maritime restrictions after Iran disrupted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in April. The ongoing confrontation between the two countries has significantly increased risks along one of the world's most important routes for oil and natural gas transportation.

Rising Threats to Commercial Shipping

The attack off Oman is not viewed as an isolated incident. Since March, dozens of commercial vessels operating near the coasts of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Oman have reportedly been affected by military actions linked to the broader US–Iran conflict.

Similar attacks were reported near Muscat in late May and earlier this year near Khasab Port. Indian seafarers, who make up a significant portion of the global maritime workforce, continue to face heightened risks as military tensions in the Gulf region intensify.