In a four-page statement issued on June 11, the company described the attack as “a human tragedy that resulted in the loss of life” and an “unprovoked military action against a civilian merchant vessel” operating in international waters.
The operator said three lives were lost and the vessel suffered damage and losses estimated at more than $35 million.
“We unequivocally hold the United States Navy responsible for the actions that led to the deaths of three individuals connected to the Motor Tanker SETTEBELLO,” IOS Marine said.
Rejecting the US Central Command’s (CENTCOM) version of events, the company said the tanker had remained stationary for nearly 10 days before the strike and was not engaged in any aggressive, evasive or suspicious activity.
IOS Marine also disputed US claims that the crew ignored repeated warnings.
“No warning call, message, or communication was ever successfully established with the vessel prior to the actions taken against it,” the company said.
“No contact whatsoever was made with the vessel as has been publicly alleged.”
The operator challenged US authorities to publicly release any evidence of such communications.
It further rejected allegations that the tanker was carrying Iranian oil or had links to Iran.
“The Motor Tanker SETTEBELLO holds no affiliation whatsoever with Iran or Iranian oil,” IOS Marine said.
“The vessel was a civilian merchant vessel engaged in legitimate commercial operations and should be viewed as such.”
The statement comes amid growing tensions following three US military actions against Indian-crewed tankers off Oman within four days.
On Wednesday, a US strike on MT Settebello killed three of the 24 Indian sailors on board.
Earlier, US forces disabled the Palau-flagged MT Marivex, whose 24 Indian crew members were rescued safely.
On Thursday, a US aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the engine room of the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer.
CENTCOM said the vessel was attempting to transport Iranian oil and that the crew had repeatedly failed to comply with US directions.
All 22 Indian crew members were evacuated safely with assistance from Omani authorities.
India has termed the attacks on commercial vessels “deeply worrisome” and has strongly raised the matter with Washington.
Following the Settebello strike, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks and handed over a diplomatic note of protest.
