IOS Marine-F.Z.E, the managers of the motor tanker Settebello, have issued a strongly worded public statement holding the United States Navy responsible for an incident that resulted in the deaths of three Indians connected to the vessel and caused damages exceeding USD 35 million.
In a four-page statement released on June 11, the company called for “accountability, transparency, and justice,” asserting that the attack on the tanker occurred while it was operating in international waters. The company described the incident as “unprovoked military action against a civilian merchant vessel” and demanded a full, independent international investigation.
Statement by UAE based IOS Marine that operates MT Settebello, the vessel that was hit by US
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 11, 2026
"We unequivocally hold US Navy responsible"
"Its a human tragedy that resulted in loss of lives"
"Innocent lives have been lost"
"No affiliation with Iran or Iranian Oil" pic.twitter.com/77s7WGmwF1
Company rejects US claims
IOS Marine categorically denied allegations that the tanker ignored warning calls, communications, or instructions before action was taken against it. According to the company, no successful communication was established with the vessel before the incident.
“If the United States Navy maintains that communications were attempted or established, then the evidence supporting such claims should be made public,” the statement said, adding that the families of the deceased and the wider maritime community deserve complete transparency regarding the events leading up to the incident.
The company further rejected any suggestion that the vessel had links to Iran or was carrying Iranian oil, describing Settebello as a civilian merchant ship engaged in legitimate commercial operations.
Questions over use of force
According to the statement, the tanker had remained stationary for approximately ten days before the incident and was not engaged in any aggressive manoeuvres or actions that could justify the use of military force.
The vessel’s managers questioned the legal authority under which civilian merchant ships in international waters could be subjected to military intervention and called for clarity regarding the criteria used to determine which vessels are targeted.
“Who bears responsibility when those decisions result in the deaths of innocent seafarers?” the statement asked.
Damage and human cost
IOS Marine said the incident resulted in the loss of three lives and left the vessel severely damaged. Based on current assessments, Settebello will likely require towing to the Far East for extensive repairs and dry-docking before it can safely return to service.
The company estimated losses at more than USD 35 million but stressed that financial damages pale in comparison to the loss of human life.
It also highlighted the difficult conditions faced by civilian merchant crews operating in the region, noting that numerous vessels have reportedly been prevented from entering ports for refuelling and resupply, leaving crews without adequate access to food, water, fuel, and medical assistance.
Environmental disaster averted
The statement warned that the incident could have resulted in a major environmental catastrophe had the vessel’s cargo or bunker tanks been breached.
According to IOS Marine, the absence of pollution was due to the efforts of the tanker’s crew and nearby vessels that responded to distress calls and assisted in firefighting and emergency operations.
The company praised the professionalism and bravery of the seafarers involved, saying their actions prevented what could have been a much larger humanitarian and environmental disaster.
Support for India and IMO concerns
IOS Marine said it supported concerns raised by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation regarding the safety of navigation and protection of civilian seafarers.
The company urged governments, maritime organisations, and international bodies to ensure a transparent investigation into the incident and establish accountability for the deaths.
Concluding its statement, IOS Marine reiterated its demand for a “full, independent, and transparent international investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the attack, the communications allegedly made, the decision-making process behind the use of force, and the accountability of all parties involved.
“Three innocent lives have been lost. Their families deserve the truth. The surviving crew deserves protection. The maritime community deserves accountability,” the statement said.
