IMO condemns attack on tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman
The Secretary-General of the IMO has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation of the attack on the tanker MT Settebello (IMO 9162916), sailing under the flag of Palau, off the coast of Oman.
The incident, which occurred near the Strait of Hormuz and is reported to have followed a projectile strike against the vessel, resulted in a fire on board and three seafarers reported missing.
Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said: “I strongly condemn any act from any party that endangers the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping. This is simply unacceptable. My thoughts are with the families of the three missing seafarers and with all those awaiting news of the crew members.”
The Secretary-General recalled the conclusions of the IMO Council at its extraordinary session, which underscored the need to protect seafarers, civilian shipping and the freedom of navigation at all times.
“All actions affecting international shipping must fully respect international law and the safety of life at sea. The protection of seafarers is a shared responsibility that must remain paramount,” he said.
IMO is monitoring the situation closely and calls for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
To date, IMO has verified 43 attacks on international shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz since 28 February 2026, with 11 confirmed seafarer fatalities.
The US military said it had conducted a missile strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman that had "violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran". The BBC reported that the Settebello was the eight ship that the US had fired upon, with the Indian Government confirming that three Indian seafarers were missing and that 21 crew had been rescued.
100 Days’ War
Separately, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) this week reminded that it was 100 days that seafarers and other civilian transport workers had been enduring a war they had not started but “have paid for – with their lives, their health and their freedom”.
The ITF reiterated its demands for:
An immediate, permanent ceasefire and full de-escalation by all parties.
Full and unconditional protection of civilian transport workers and civilian infrastructure under international law
The immediate release of all detained seafarers and vessels.
Full implementation of Maritime Labour Convention protections, including crew changes, wage payments, unrestricted communications and repatriation.
An end of the misuse of force majeure to undermine workers’ rights.
Meaningful mental health support for all transport workers affected by this conflict.
Any humanitarian maritime corridor to be enacted only with full, verified, binding safety guarantees.
Urgent diplomatic engagement under United Nations leadership toward a just and durable peace, grounded in international law and the UN Charter.