IMO condemns tanker attack near Strait of Hormuz as US confirms strike
London, June 11
The International Maritime Organization strongly condemned an attack on a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz that reportedly left three seafarers missing.
In a statement on Wednesday (local time), the IMO said the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello caught fire after reportedly being struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed deep concern over the incident, saying any act endangering the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping was "simply unacceptable."
In a separate statement on Wednesday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces had disabled the tanker in the Gulf of Oman late Tuesday, reports Xinhua news agency.
According to CENTCOM, a US military aircraft fired precision munitions into the vessel's engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces.
Dominguez stressed that the protection of seafarers, civilian shipping and freedom of navigation must be upheld at all times, and that all actions affecting international shipping should fully respect international law and the safety of life at sea.
The IMO called for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
According to the organisation, 43 attacks on international shipping have been confirmed in and around the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, 2026.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, India on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, following which three Indian crew members are still reportedly missing.
"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
It added that the continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region.
"We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest," the statement added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Heartbreaking news about our three missing crew members. The MEA's statement is clear and firm. But why did the US have to disable the tanker? Couldn't they have handled it differently? The IMO must ensure investigations are transparent and do not escalate tensions further. Safety of seafarers is paramount, not military posturing.
Honestly, these attacks are a direct consequence of the ongoing Gaza conflict spilling over. While I appreciate the IMO's concern, words are not enough. India's call for de-escalation and diplomacy is the only sane voice here. Hoping our 3 missing sailor bhai log are found safe soon. 🙏
As an observer of geopolitics, I find it alarming how quickly the region has become a tinderbox. The US disabling the tanker seems heavy-handed, but I'm not privy to the full intelligence. I hope the IMO's call for a transparent investigation leads to accountability, not just more rhetoric. My thoughts are with the missing Indian crew and their families.
Our sailors are the unsung heroes of global trade. 21 rescued, 3 missing—this is a nightmare for their families. I'm glad the MEA is coordinating with Oman, but why is the international community so slow in preventing these attacks? Free navigation is not just a principle; it's a lifeline for economies like India. Enough is enough!
The IMO's statement is necessary but feels like a band-aid on a bullet wound. 43 attacks in 3.5 months is a crisis.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.