The International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Wednesday, 11 June 2026 strongly condemned an attack on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz, as three Indian seafarers remained missing following the incident off the coast of Oman. The attack has drawn sharp responses from both the IMO and the Indian government, while the US Central Command (CENTCOM) separately confirmed that American forces had disabled the vessel.

What Happened to MT Settebello

The MT Settebello caught fire after reportedly being struck by a projectile off the Omani coast. According to CENTCOM, a US military aircraft fired precision munitions into the vessel's engine room late Tuesday after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces. The statement did not elaborate on the nature of those directions or the circumstances that preceded the strike.

Of the 24 Indian crew members aboard, 21 have been rescued. Search and rescue operations for the remaining three missing Indian seafarers are ongoing, with India's Embassy in Oman coordinating closely with Omani authorities.

IMO's Response and the Broader Pattern

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed deep concern, stating that any act endangering the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping was 'simply unacceptable.' He 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 must fully respect international law and the safety of life at sea.

The IMO has called for a full and transparent investigation into the incident. Notably, this is not an isolated event — the organisation confirmed that 43 attacks on international shipping have been recorded in and around the Strait of Hormuz since 28 February 2026, underscoring a sustained and escalating threat to one of the world's most critical maritime corridors.

India's Official Condemnation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement condemning the attack on the MT Settebello. The MEA confirmed that 21 of the 24 Indian crew members onboard had been rescued, while three remain reportedly missing.

'We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today,' the MEA statement read. 'Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation.'

The MEA added that the continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are 'deeply worrisome' and a direct result of the ongoing regional conflict. India reiterated its call for immediate de-escalation, the conclusion of diplomatic negotiations, and the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law.

Why This Matters for Global Shipping

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most critical oil transit chokepoint, with roughly 20% of global petroleum liquids passing through it. Repeated attacks on commercial vessels in this corridor carry severe implications for global energy supply chains, insurance premiums for maritime trade, and the safety of tens of thousands of seafarers who transit the region annually. The US military's direct role in disabling the MT Settebello adds a new and contested dimension to the crisis, raising questions about rules of engagement and international maritime law that are likely to dominate the forthcoming investigation.

With the IMO pushing for accountability and India pressing for diplomatic resolution, the coming days will test whether multilateral pressure can curb further escalation in one of the world's most volatile maritime zones.