Third suspected US strike this week hits Indian-crewed tanker off Oman
India's shipping ministry said all 20 Indian crew members were safe after a new suspected US strike on the asphalt tanker Jalveer off Oman on Thursday, following two similar strikes involving Indian crews in the region this week.
The Guinea-Bissau-flagged Jalveer sent a distress call while off Oman's port of Shinas after a fire broke out around its engine room and funnel, British maritime risk management company Vanguard said.
An Indian shipping ministry official said the crew were being evacuated in coordination with the Royal Navy of Oman.
The ship was attacked by the US Navy, Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.
"The cause of the fire has not been disclosed; however, ...this was likely the result of U.S. operations to blockade Iranian ports," British maritime security company Ambrey said.
US Centcom was not available for immediate comment on the incident.
If confirmed, it would be the third Indian-crewed tanker hit by US forces this week after the Marivex oil tanker was disabled using precision munitions on Monday.
Three Indian sailors were reported to have died in a US strike on the Settebello tanker off Oman that occurred on Tuesday.
