US military confirms attack on third Indian-crewed tanker off Gulf of Oman

The US military on Thursday confirmed that it had disabled a third oil tanker in the Gulf ‌of ⁠Oman overnight ⁠as it was trying to move Iranian oil through an American blockade, saying it was the third commercial ship disabled ⁠by US ‌forces this week. The vessel had 20 Indian seafarers on board, the country's shipping ministry informed following the attack.

"U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) ⁠acted against Guinea-Bissau flagged M/T Jalveer as it attempted to transport oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired ‌two Hellfire missiles into the ship's engine room after ⁠the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from U.S. forces," U.S. Central Command said in a statement.

CENTCOM cliamed that forces have disabled nine non-compliant vessels, redirected 135 ships that complied, and allowed 42 vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass since initiating the blockade on April 13.


Also read: MEA flags growing threat to shipping as MT Jalveer crew evacuation begins

India expresses concerns on continuing attacks on shipping

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern over continuing attacks on shipping in West Asia, calling them "deeply worrisome", as evacuation of Indian crew members from the vessel MT Jalveer commenced following a maritime security incident near Oman.

"There have been several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia in the last few days. We attach high importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafarers' community. We need not re-emphasise this point...The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. These attacks must cease and end. We also call for dialogue and diplomacy so that we can have an early return to peace and stability in the region," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Jaiswal's comments comments came after the Guinea-Bissau-flagged bitumen tanker, MT Jalveer, was involved in a maritime security incident in the vicinity of Shinas port in Oman.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the vessel had 20 Indian seafarers on board and all of them are safe. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.

Additional Secretary in the ministry, Mukesh Mangal, said evacuation of the crew to Shinas port had begun.

"On 11th June, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel, a bitumen tanker MT Jalveer, was reportedly involved in a maritime security incident in the vicinity of Shinas port, Oman. The vessel has 20 Indian seafarers on board, and all of them are reported to be safe. No casualties or injuries have been reported. As per the latest information, the evacuation of crew members to Shinas port has commenced. Six more are to be evacuated. The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and is in continuous coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions abroad and the Indian Navy and other relevant stakeholders," Mangal said.