Crew Appeals for Immediate Rescue
The Indian crew of a sanctioned oil tanker sent an urgent distress call after a US missile struck their vessel near the coast of Oman on Monday. Crew members reported that the ship caught fire, suffered severe damage, and started sinking.
According to the emergency communication, sailors repeatedly asked authorities to send help as the situation on board became critical.
“We have a fire on board and the vessel is sinking,” a crew member said during the distress call. He also reported that a missile had hit the engine room, creating a hole in the lower section of the ship.
US Military Confirms Strike
The tanker, identified as Marivex, reportedly violated a US blockade targeting Iranian ports. US Central Command stated that the crew did not follow instructions issued by American forces.
As a result, a fighter jet launched a precision strike aimed at the vessel’s engineering and steering systems. The operation disabled the ship and left it unable to navigate safely.
US officials said Marivex became the seventh vessel disabled for violating the blockade.
Fire Breaks Out on the Tanker
Indian authorities confirmed that a fire erupted aboard the tanker at approximately 1:30 PM India time. Officials did not specify the exact cause of the fire.
The vessel was not carrying any oil at the time of the incident. However, the damage caused serious safety concerns for everyone on board.
Images shared by crew members showed a military vessel sailing close to the tanker after the strike.
Distress Calls Sent From Sea
As flames spread and the ship lost power, crew members sent emergency messages requesting immediate assistance.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India received distress calls shortly after the incident. The organization later shared information indicating that the tanker was located about 28 kilometers off the coast of Oman.
Another maritime workers’ organization also confirmed receiving emergency communications from crew members.
All 24 Indian Crew Members Rescued
Despite the dangerous conditions, rescue teams responded quickly. Omani military forces successfully evacuated all 24 Indian crew members from the damaged tanker.
Indian officials confirmed that every crew member survived the incident. No fatalities have been reported.
The rescue brought relief to families and maritime organizations that had closely monitored the situation throughout the day.
Growing Tensions in Regional Waters
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region. The US military continues to enforce restrictions around Iranian ports after major disruptions affected shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas supplies.
As investigations continue, the strike on Marivex is expected to draw international attention and raise further questions about maritime security in the region.
