Muscat/New Delhi: All 24 Indian crew members aboard the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Marivex have been rescued safely after the vessel was struck and disabled off the coast of Oman during a US military operation, according to Indian and international officials.
The incident occurred on June 8 in the Gulf of Oman, a strategically important shipping corridor near the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker later caught fire following the strike, triggering an emergency rescue operation involving Omani authorities and maritime agencies.
All Indian Crew Members Safe
Indian authorities confirmed that all 24 crew members on board were Indian nationals and were evacuated without any reported casualties. Omani rescue teams coordinated with Indian diplomatic officials and maritime agencies to ensure the safe extraction of the sailors.
The Indian Embassy in Oman also remained in contact with local authorities throughout the rescue effort. The crew was transferred to safety after the vessel issued distress calls following the explosion and fire.
Why Was MT Marivex Targeted?
According to reports, MT Marivex had been sanctioned by the US government for its alleged involvement in transporting Iranian oil in violation of American sanctions. The vessel was reportedly on a list maintained by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
US Central Command stated that the tanker was disabled after allegedly attempting to reach an Iranian port despite repeated warnings. Reports indicate that the vessel was not carrying cargo at the time of the strike and was operating in ballast condition.
Communication Before the Strike
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that communication had taken place between the ship and the US Navy before the incident. Officials said there had been an exchange of messages prior to the military action, though details of those communications have not been publicly disclosed.
The development has drawn attention because Indian citizens were aboard a vessel involved in a high-profile sanctions enforcement operation amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
Growing Maritime Tensions
The incident comes at a time of heightened instability across the Gulf region. Commercial shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz have faced increasing security concerns due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and regional actors.
Maritime experts note that the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments. Any disruption in the region often has international economic and security implications.
Investigation Continues
Indian authorities are continuing to gather information regarding the exact circumstances surrounding the attack, while monitoring the safety and welfare of the rescued crew members. Officials have indicated that multiple agencies, including maritime and diplomatic channels, remain engaged in assessing the incident.
For now, the successful rescue of all 24 Indian sailors has provided relief to families and authorities, even as questions remain about the broader implications of the strike and the growing security risks facing commercial vessels operating in the Gulf region.
