Twenty-four Indian sailors were safely rescued after a merchant tanker came under a missile attack off the coast of Oman, prompting a swift international rescue operation involving Indian and Omani authorities.
According to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the incident occurred on June 8 when the Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex was anchored near Masirah, Oman. The vessel carried 24 crew members, all of whom were Indian nationals.
Rescue Operation Launched
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai received information about the attack from a relative of one of the crew members onboard. Following the alert, Indian authorities immediately contacted the Oman Maritime Search and Rescue Centre and sought urgent assistance.
Omani authorities responded quickly by diverting a nearby vessel and deploying rescue helicopters to the area. The coordinated effort ensured the safe evacuation of all 24 crew members from the damaged tanker.
All Crew Members Safe
Officials confirmed that all Indian sailors were rescued without any reported fatalities. The crew members were airlifted by helicopters operated by the Oman Navy and moved to safety. The tanker remained anchored off the Omani coast following the incident.
Questions Surround Attack
Reports indicate that the tanker was struck during heightened tensions in regional waters. Some reports described the incident as a missile attack, while others linked it to ongoing maritime security operations in the region. Authorities have not yet released a detailed assessment of the circumstances surrounding the strike.
Maritime Security Concerns
The incident highlights growing risks to commercial shipping in waters near the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime agencies continue to monitor the situation closely as regional tensions affect shipping routes and global trade.
The Indian Coast Guard praised the close cooperation between Indian and Omani authorities, describing the successful rescue as an example of effective international maritime coordination.
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