A third tanker fire in as many days off the Oman coast has raised alarm among Indian seafarers, underscoring the escalating risks in the Gulf’s shipping lanes. The latest incident follows the deadly strike on the Indian-flagged MT Settebello, which claimed the lives of three crew members earlier this week.
Maritime authorities confirmed that the fires were triggered by missile and drone attacks amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions. The repeated targeting of commercial vessels has disrupted shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil artery, and left Indian shipping companies deeply concerned for the safety of their crews.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has lodged strong protests after the deaths of Indian nationals in the Settebello strike, summoning U.S. officials in New Delhi to demand accountability and restraint. Consular teams are coordinating with Omani authorities to repatriate the bodies of the deceased sailors.
With three tanker incidents in just three days, the situation highlights the vulnerability of Indian seafarers operating in Gulf waters. Shipping firms are reviewing contingency plans, while the Indian Navy has stepped up monitoring of the region to safeguard national interests.
The mounting crisis has sparked calls for international intervention to secure maritime routes and prevent further loss of civilian lives, as the Gulf remains on edge amid intensifying military exchanges.
