Indian Crew Issues Distress Call After Reported US Missile Strike On Vessel
Indian crew issues distress call after reported missile strike.
An Indian crew aboard a Palau-flagged tanker issued a distress call after the vessel was struck by a missile off the coast of Oman on Monday, prompting a rescue operation that ultimately saved all 24 Indian sailors on board. The tanker, identified as MT Marivex, was reportedly engulfed in fire and taking on water after the impact.
The vessel had been attempting to evade restrictions linked to US enforcement actions against ships trading with sanctioned Iranian ports when it was struck. According to initial reports, the tanker had previously been blacklisted by US authorities, and the incident occurred in waters off Masirah, near Oman, escalating into an emergency situation at sea.
In an audio message that has since surfaced, one of the crew members can be heard urgently requesting assistance, repeatedly stating that the vessel was on fire and sinking. “Sir, this is motor tanker Marivex… we have fire on board and vessel is sinking,” the crew member said, describing damage to the engine room and a hole in the hull.
Also Read: Air India Passenger Allegedly Damages Window Pane Before Landing, Review Underway
The distress call further confirmed that all personnel on board were Indian nationals. The crew member pleaded for immediate assistance, saying, “Total all crew Indian. 24 crew, all crew Indian. Please help quickly, we need immediate help,” as the situation deteriorated rapidly following the strike.
The emergency triggered a coordinated maritime response after the Indian Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai received information about the incident at around 2:20 pm (IST). Officials immediately contacted the Oman Maritime Search and Rescue Centre to monitor and manage the rescue operation in the region.
Omani military forces later carried out a successful evacuation of all 24 Indian crew members from the stricken vessel, ensuring their safety despite the severe damage sustained by the tanker. Authorities are continuing to assess the circumstances surrounding the attack and the status of the vessel in the affected maritime zone.
Also Read: US Senator From Trump’s Party Congratulates PM Modi On Record Tenure, Hails Strong India-US Ties
