Indian Seafarers Safe After Vessel Hit in Alleged US Navy Strike Near Oman
A merchant vessel, MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian seafarers, caught fire off the coast of Oman after an alleged US Navy strike. All 24 Indian crew members were safely rescued by Omani authorities. The vessel was reportedly blacklisted and attempting to evade a US blockade of Iranian ports.
Key Highlights
- 24 Indian seafarers rescued after vessel incident off Oman.
- Vessel MT Marivex caught fire following alleged US Navy strike.
- Omani authorities coordinated swift rescue operations for the crew.
- The tanker was reportedly attempting to evade a US blockade of Iranian ports.
- The vessel was not carrying cargo at the time of the incident.
- Indian government and embassy closely monitored the situation.
A fire broke out on the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian seafarers, off the coast of Oman on Monday, June 8, 2026, following an alleged strike by the US Navy. The incident led to an SOS call from the crew, reporting a fire after a missile attack on the engine room. Fortunately, all 24 Indian nationals on board were safely rescued by Omani authorities, with the Indian Embassy in Muscat coordinating efforts and expressing gratitude for the swift response. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in India confirmed the fire incident and the safety of the crew, stating they were coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and other agencies.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the MT Marivex was not Indian-owned and had been blacklisted and sanctioned by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), an agency that targets vessels violating US sanctions on oil sales from Iran and Russia. Over the preceding days, the vessel had reportedly made four attempts to evade the US blockade of Iranian ports, turning away after repeated warnings on three occasions. The fourth attempt on June 8 involved using Omani territorial waters and switching off its signal devices to go undetected, an action described by one source as indicative of non-compliant intentions. The US military confirmed that an F/A-18 Super Hornet disabled the tanker after it allegedly violated the blockade and failed to comply with US forces' directions. The vessel was reportedly sailing towards the Omani port of Duqm at the time of the incident.
The incident occurred amidst heightened regional tensions, with reports of other maritime security incidents in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz. India has condemned attacks on commercial shipping and civilian mariners, emphasizing the need for freedom of navigation and the avoidance of actions that endanger maritime trade. The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) had initially sought urgent assistance for the seafarers, highlighting the serious concern over the attack.
The published date of the India Today article is June 8, 2026. The news falls under the categories of International Relations, Maritime Security, and India. It is relevant to multiple countries including India, Oman, and the United States, and has global implications due to the strategic importance of the maritime routes. The article is presented as factual news reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the ship MT Marivex?
The MT Marivex, an oil tanker carrying 24 Indian seafarers, caught fire off the coast of Oman on June 8, 2026, reportedly after an alleged US Navy strike. The fire broke out after the vessel was disabled by US forces.
Were the Indian seafarers safe?
Yes, all 24 Indian seafarers on board the MT Marivex were safely rescued by Omani authorities. They were evacuated and brought ashore without any reported fatalities or serious injuries.
Why was the ship allegedly targeted?
Sources indicate the MT Marivex was a Palau-flagged vessel, blacklisted by the US, and was attempting to evade a US blockade of Iranian ports. The US military stated it disabled the tanker after it violated the blockade and failed to comply with directions.
What was the role of Omani authorities?
Omani authorities, including the Oman Air Force and coast guard, played a crucial role in the swift rescue operation, evacuating the crew and ensuring their safety. The Indian Embassy in Muscat coordinated with them.
