The maritime industry is facing severe tension following a major confrontation in international waters. IOS Marine-F.Z.E, serving as the official managers of the motor tanker Settebello, has released a highly critical public statement regarding a recent military encounter. The management company has firmly pointed blame at the United States Navy, holding them directly responsible for an incident that caused the tragic deaths of three Indian nationals who were connected to the vessel.

In addition to the human toll, the company revealed that the physical and operational damages resulting from the encounter have soared past USD 35 million.

In a comprehensive, four-page official document published on June 11, the shipping company explicitly demanded “accountability, transparency, and justice,” while firmly maintaining that the strike on the commercial tanker took place during its routine operations within international waters. Condemning the behavior of the military forces involved, the company openly categorized the entire event as an “unprovoked military action against a civilian merchant vessel” and officially called upon global authorities to launch a full, independent international investigation into the matter.

Management Dismisses Washington's Assertions

In its detailed briefing, IOS Marine categorically denied allegations that the tanker ignored warning calls, communications, or instructions before action was taken against it. The firm clarified the timeline of events, pointing out that, according to the vessel's records and data, no successful communication was established with the ship prior to the deployment of force.

Addressing the narrative being put forward by American defense officials, the management noted that if there is proof of prior warnings, it needs to be brought to light. The official statement noted, “If the United States Navy maintains that communications were attempted or established, then the evidence supporting such claims should be made public,” further explaining that the families of the deceased and the wider maritime community deserve complete transparency regarding the events leading up to the incident.

Furthermore, the operating firm strongly pushed back against any geopolitical narratives linking the ship to sanctioned states. The company completely 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.

Serious Legal Concerns Raised Over Military Force

The operational history of the ship leading up to the attack further complicates the official narrative surrounding the 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.

Given these circumstances, the vessel’s managers have raised serious questions regarding the legal authority under which civilian merchant ships in international waters could be subjected to military intervention. They are now demanding explicit clarity regarding the criteria used by naval forces to determine which vessels are targeted in high-risk zones. Pointing directly to the human cost of these tactical choices, the statement asked, “Who bears responsibility when those decisions result in the deaths of innocent seafarers?”

Severe Operational Damages and the Human Toll

The human and material toll of the strike is extensive. IOS Marine confirmed that the incident resulted in the loss of three lives and left the vessel severely damaged. Because the structural impact was so severe, initial engineering assessments indicate that the Settebello will likely require towing to the Far East for extensive repairs and dry-docking before it can safely return to service.

Financially, the company estimated losses at more than USD 35 million but stressed that financial damages pale in comparison to the loss of human life.

The incident has also thrown a spotlight on the increasingly perilous state of merchant shipping in these heavily monitored transit corridors. The company 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.

Major Ecological Disaster Narrowly Avoided

Beyond the immediate casualties and physical destruction, the incident carried the potential for a massive ecological crisis. 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. Recognizing the vital role these individuals played under extreme duress, 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.

Alignment with New Delhi and IMO Safety Frameworks

In seeking a diplomatic and legal remedy, the management company has aligned itself with international regulatory bodies and sovereign representatives. 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 firm is calling for a unified international response, urging governments, maritime organisations, and international bodies to ensure a transparent investigation into the incident and establish accountability for the deaths.

Concluding its comprehensive public brief, 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. In a final appeal for the victims of the crisis, the company stated, “Three innocent lives have been lost. Their families deserve the truth. The surviving crew deserves protection. The maritime community deserves accountability.”