Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Muscat, Jun 15: The 20 Indian crew members of the vessel MT Jalveer, who were rescued after an attack off the coast of Oman, expressed gratitude to the Indian government, the Indian Embassy in Muscat and the Omani authorities for ensuring their safety and facilitating their return to India.
The crew members were safely evacuated to shore with the assistance of Omani authorities after the incident involving the vessel on June 11.
Captain Subodh Kumar, the Master of MT Jalveer, thanked all agencies involved in the rescue operation and acknowledged the support extended during their stay in Oman.
"All crew members are safe. The Indian Embassy took great care of us. We stayed in a hotel from June 11 to June 14. The Embassy ensured our safe evacuation, and our company also provided full support through its operations and technical teams. We are grateful to everyone, including the company, the Indian Embassy and the Omani authorities," he said.
India's Ambassador to Oman, Prashant Pise, met the crew members in Muscat before their departure for India and wished them a safe journey home.
Nazim, the vessel's second officer, recalled the events surrounding the rescue and praised the swift coordination between various agencies.
"I was the second officer on MT Jalveer. Fortunately, all 20 crew members managed to come out safely. Thanks to the timely intervention of the Indian Embassy, our company and other personnel, we were rescued without delay and brought safely to the port. We are now returning to India to reunite with our families. We sincerely thank everyone who helped us," he said.
The Indian Embassy reiterated its commitment to supporting Indian citizens facing emergencies abroad.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Embassy said the Ambassador had interacted with the crew members ahead of their repatriation and wished them a safe return.
"The crew were safely evacuated ashore in coordination with Omani authorities following the incident involving the vessel on June 11, 2026. The Embassy of India remains committed to providing prompt assistance to Indian nationals in distress and ensuring their welfare and safe return home," the statement said.
The rescued sailors were transported safely from MT Jalveer to Shinas Port with assistance from the Royal Navy of Oman.
Earlier, addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on developments in West Asia on June 11, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mukesh Mangal, confirmed that all 20 Indian seafarers aboard the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel were safe.
He said India remains deeply concerned over repeated disruptions affecting commercial shipping routes and emphasised the need to safeguard international maritime trade.
"Commercial vessel MT Jalveer came under attack off Shinas Port in Oman. All 20 Indian crew members are safe. Our mission in Oman has been closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities to ensure their safe evacuation," Mangal had said.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining secure and uninterrupted maritime navigation.
"The repeated incidents affecting commercial shipping in the region are a matter of serious concern. It is essential to ensure the safety of seafarers and preserve free and unhindered navigation through international waterways in accordance with international law," he added.
During the same briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that India places the highest priority on the safety and security of Indian seafarers.
He noted that the incidents were linked to ongoing tensions in West Asia and reaffirmed India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region at the earliest.