Omani authorities rescue all 24 Indian crew after fire incident on oil tanker MT Marivex: Indian Embassy in Muscat
Muscat, June 8
All 24 Indian crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Marivex were safely rescued by Omani authorities after a fire incident on a Madagascar-flagged vessel, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said on Monday.
In a post on X, the embassy expressed gratitude to the Omani authorities for their prompt action in ensuring the safety of the Indian nationals.
"We are thankful to the Omani authorities for their swift response and rescue of all the 24 crew members of Indian nationality onboard MT Marivex, and ensuring their safety," the Embassy of India in Muscat said.
The rescue comes hours after the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) confirmed a fire incident aboard MT Marivex in the south of the Strait of Hormuz.
Addressing an interministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Director in the Shipping Division, Opesh Kumar Sharma, said the fire was reported at around 1:30 pm today.
"This is the preliminary information which we have received. Based on this, as per available information, all Indian seafarers are presently safe," Sharma said.
He said the Ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence to ensure the safety of the seafarers.
"We are in touch with the owners, and we are trying to ascertain the facts. We are also in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and our mission in Oman," he added.
On whether the ship was hit by a projectile, Sharma said, "So whether the ship was hit by a projectile or not, presently we are trying to get absolute information. As you are aware, the fire incident was at 1:30 today."
"The vessel was well out of the Strait of Hormuz and well clear to the south," he added.
According to the shipping ministry, the vessel, an oil tanker, was not carrying any cargo and was in ballast condition.
"It's a Madagascar flag. There were only Indian seafarers on board," Sharma noted.
Earlier in the day, the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) posted on X that the Indian seafarers aboard the vessel sought urgent assistance off the coast of Oman.
"Indian Navy in Harmouz 24 Indian Seafarers seeking urgent assistance at 2057.07N 059 degree 0813 off the coast of Oman onboard," the post read.
The Embassy of India in Oman responded to the FSUI post and established direct contact with the seafarers aboard the vessel.
"It is informed that the embassy has established contact," the embassy stated.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Excellent coordination between ministries and embassies! But I'm curious - why was a Madagascar-flagged ship crewed entirely by Indians? Also, the article mentions it was in ballast (no cargo) - seems suspicious given the timing in the Strait of Hormuz. Glad everyone is safe though. 🇮🇳
"24 Indian seafarers safe" - jai ho! Our Navy and MEA really stepped up. But I wish the article gave more details about the fire cause. Was it an accident or something else given the region's tensions? Our government needs to be more transparent. Still, happy ending today. 👍
As someone whose father was a merchant navy officer, I know how terrifying this must have been for the families. Big shout-out to the Forward Seamen's Union for raising the alarm on X and the embassy for quick response. These sailors risk their lives daily for our economy. Time for better safety protocols! 💪
Kudos to Omani authorities for the rescue! But I'm concerned about the lack of clarity on the cause. "Not hit by a projectile" hasn't been confirmed. In today's geopolitical climate, especially near Hormuz, we need to know. Indian lives aren't cheap. Hope there's a thorough investigation. ✊
Such a relief! 🎉 But why were Indian seafarers on a Madagascar-flagged vessel? This highlights the exploitation in our shipping industry - many sailors work on foreign-flagged ships with fewer protections. The government should use this incident to push for better conditions for Indian crews worldwide.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.