Daijiworld Media Network – Muscat
Muscat, Jun 9: A coordinated rescue operation involving the Indian Coast Guard and Omani authorities led to the safe evacuation of 24 Indian seafarers after a missile attack on a foreign-flagged oil tanker off the coast of Oman.
The Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex reported a fire incident on Monday after coming under attack while sailing in Omani waters.
Following receipt of the distress information, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre immediately coordinated with Omani authorities to facilitate rescue efforts.
According to the Coast Guard, MRCC Mumbai worked closely with Oman's maritime rescue agencies to ensure the safe evacuation of all 24 Indian crew members. Visuals from the operation showed Omani Navy helicopters hovering above the vessel and airlifting sailors from the deck.
In a statement, the Coast Guard said the swift response by MRCC Mumbai and coordination with Omani authorities ensured the successful rescue of the crew.
Maritime tracking data indicated that the tanker was travelling from Karwar to Duqm when it came under missile attack.
Shipping Ministry Director Opesh Kumar Sharma confirmed that all Indian seafarers aboard the vessel were safe.
He also stated that the Ministry of Shipping, through the Directorate General of Shipping, has facilitated the safe repatriation of 3,506 Indian seafarers so far, including 32 sailors rescued during the past 96 hours.
The Indian Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Indian nationals at sea and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in maritime search-and-rescue operations.
The agency said collaboration with friendly foreign nations remains a key component of its efforts to ensure prompt and effective rescue responses across the Indian Ocean and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the source of the missile attack or the extent of damage sustained by the vessel. However, all crew members were reported safe following the evacuation.