Three Indians missing after suspected missile attack on tanker near Oman

MUSCAT: Three Indians are reportedly missing after a fuel tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. A fire broke out in the engine room of a Palau-flagged fuel tanker off the coast of Sohar, Oman. British maritime security company Vanguard Tech said a distress signal had been received from the Palau-flagged tanker. The tanker, named Settebello, caught fire. It was also reported that it was caused by a missile attack. According to India's foreign ministry, 21 Indians were rescued from the tanker. Among the 28 crew members of the ship, 24 were Indians. The foreign ministry is actively monitoring the developments and is in touch with the Omani authorities.

While operating in Sohar in the Gulf of Oman, a distress call was received stating that a missile had hit the engine room and that the vessel was on fire," Vanguard Tech said. The incident occurred 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Agency. One person was seriously injured, two were missing, and no damage to the environment was reported, they said. The Sohar coast has been a frequent target for ships since the start of the Iran-US war. It is not yet clear who was behind the attack. There are indications that Indians are also on board.

The US and Iran have their own inspections in the Strait of Hormuz, which is why ships are being attacked. On Monday, the US command sent a missile at the Botswana-flagged MT Lexie, which was sailing towards the Iranian coast. On the same day, the MT Marivex, with the flag of Palau, was attacked by US fighter jets from the USS Abraham Lincoln. Iranian drones have also been attacking ships here.

The Strait of Hormuz, which is only 38 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, is controlled by Iran and Oman. Iran has announced that it will impose fees in the Strait in the event of a major conflict.