Three Indian crew members have been confirmed dead following a US military operation targeting a tanker accused of breaching Washington`s restrictions on Iranian oil exports, according to Indian authorities.
The casualties were reported aboard the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello, which came under attack during the operation. The incident has drawn attention amid heightened tensions surrounding efforts to enforce US sanctions and restrictions related to Iran.
India`s Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced the deaths in a statement, saying the three sailors had initially been reported missing.
According to the minister, two bodies have been recovered, while details regarding the location of the third victim were not immediately available.
The US military`s Central Command said the tanker had allegedly attempted to transport oil from Iran in violation of an ongoing blockade. As part of the operation, US forces reportedly targeted the vessel`s engine room in an effort to stop its movement.
Further details about the incident, including the identities of the deceased sailors and the circumstances surrounding the strike, were not immediately released.
The deaths highlight the growing risks faced by commercial shipping crews operating in regions affected by geopolitical tensions and sanctions enforcement measures.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the incident as more information becomes available.
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