Another Indian ship incident near Oman port days after US missile struck tanker

UPDATED: Jun 11, 2026 12:36 IST

Amid rising concerns over maritime security in the Gulf region, the Indian Embassy in Oman on Thursday said it had learnt of another incident involving a vessel off Shinas port and was closely monitoring the situation.

"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 embassy said in a post on X.

The development comes barely a day after three Indian seafarers were confirmed dead following a US military strike on the tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman, an incident that triggered a sharp diplomatic response from New Delhi.

Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday said the three Indian crew members who had gone missing after the strike had died.

The attack on Settebello prompted India to summon US Charg d'Affaires Jason Meeks and lodge a strong protest. Additional Secretary (Americas) Nagaraj Naidu conveyed New Delhi's concerns over the strike and the safety of Indian nationals aboard the vessel.

In a statement issued after the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the strike on the commercial vessel off the Omani coast. The MEA said 24 Indians were on board the tanker, of whom 21 were rescued while three initially remained missing. It described the continuing attacks on shipping in the region as "deeply worrisome" and linked them to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The United States said its military had carried out a "precision" strike on the vessel after it allegedly failed to comply with instructions from American forces. US Central Command later said a US aircraft targeted the ship's engine room as the Palau-flagged tanker transited the Gulf of Oman, describing the action as part of its ongoing maritime blockade against Iran.

No details have yet been released about the vessel involved in the latest incident near Shinas port, including its identity, crew composition or the nature of the emergency. Omani authorities and the Indian mission are continuing to gather information.

- Ends