India summoned U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks on Wednesday after a U.S. missile struck a Palau-flagged tanker off the coast of Oman [1], [2].
The incident underscores the precarious position of international crews caught in the middle of U.S. sanctions enforcement and maritime blockades in the Arabian Sea.
The strike occurred on Monday [3]. According to reports, a U.S. fighter jet or Navy asset fired the missile at the vessel, which was transporting chemical and oil products [1], [2], [3]. The ship caught fire and began sinking shortly after the impact [1], [2].
U.S. officials said the vessel was on a sanctions list and was attempting to evade a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports at the time of the attack [1], [2].
There were 24 Indian crew members on board the tanker [1]. Rescue operations followed the strike, though reports on the outcome vary. Some sources said that 21 crew members were rescued while three remain missing [2]. Other reports suggest that all 24 crew members were eventually rescued [3].
In a recording from the scene, one of the Indian crew members was heard saying, "please help" [3].
Following the event, India's Additional Secretary (Americas) Nagaraj Naidu summoned Jason Meeks to address the situation [1], [2]. The vessel has been identified in various reports as the Sette, Settebello, or MT Marivex [1], [2], [3].
“"please help"”
This diplomatic friction highlights the tension between U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions via maritime blockades and the safety of third-party nationals. By summoning the U.S. envoy, India is signaling that the risk to its seafarers is an unacceptable byproduct of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
