According to maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, the 47,198 DWT vessel transmitted a distress signal indicating it had been struck by a missile, resulting in an engine-room fire. The distress call was reportedly received by a nearby vessel, which confirmed that the Royal Navy of Oman had deployed assets to the scene.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on X (formerly Twitter) that a U.S. aircraft engaged the Settebello’s engine room with precision-guided munitions at 23:14 UTC on 9 June, following repeated non-compliance by the crew with lawful directives issued by U.S. forces. CENTCOM further reported that, since 13 April, its forces have disabled eight non-compliant vessels, redirected 134 vessels that complied with operational instructions, and permitted 42 humanitarian aid–supporting vessels to proceed unimpeded.
The incident occurred at approximately 09:30 UTC. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a notice reporting that local authorities confirmed a tanker had suffered an engine-room fire and were actively assisting with crew evacuation. UKMTO did not specify the cause of the fire.
Two crew members remain unaccounted for, and one has sustained serious injuries. The All India Seafarers’ Union (AISU) confirmed receipt of reports indicating that two Indian nationals are among the missing.
Built in 1997, the Settebello is operated and managed by IOS Marine – FTZ, a UAE-based maritime services company. Its last publicly available Automatic Identification System (AIS) position was recorded on 30 May, near Oman’s coast in proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.
This incident follows the downing of a U.S. Army helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz on 9 June. In response, U.S. forces conducted strikes against Iranian air defense systems, ground control stations, and surveillance radar installations located near the Strait.
On 8 June, U.S. forces similarly engaged the engine room of the oil products tanker "Marivex"—rendering it inoperable and triggering a fire. The Royal Navy of Oman subsequently rescued 24 Indian seafarers aboard the vessel. CENTCOM stated that the Marivex, which was empty at the time, was disabled for violating the U.S.-led maritime enforcement measures and attempting to transit to an Iranian port.
The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) downgraded its threat assessment for the Gulf of Oman from “Critical” to “Severe” in late May. More recently, it also reduced the threat level for the Strait of Hormuz from “Critical” to “Severe.”
Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/4YviMoCzA_rlRF0SBWxLpg