Three Indian mariners aboard the Palau-flagged M/T Settebello were killed on June 11, 2026, when the United States Navy fired on the vessel for allegedly ignoring a U.S. blockade on Iran. The Navy conducted precision strikes at the engine room of the Settebello to disable the vessel. This incident occurred during U.S. self-defense strikes against Iran, following the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter by an Iranian drone on June 10, 2026.
Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, confirmed the casualties in a social media post, stating that the three Indian seafarers, initially reported missing, have been located and identified. He expressed condolences, referring to the incident as a profound loss to the maritime community and assured support for the bereaved families.
Sonowal did not provide details on why the ship ignored U.S. warnings. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command accused the Settebello of attempting to transport oil from Iran and violating the blockade. A press release from Centcom stated that the ship failed to comply with orders to halt its travel before the strikes were carried out.
This incident marks the eighth time Central Command has used military force against non-compliant vessels since the blockade was implemented on April 13, 2026. Central Command reported that 134 ships have complied with the blockade, while 42 ships have been allowed to transport humanitarian aid.