New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): A swift rescue mission coordinated by Indian and Omani maritime authorities ensured the safety of 24 Indian sailors after the merchant vessel MT Marivex reportedly came under a missile attack near the coast of Oman.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai received an alert regarding the incident on June 8 after a family member of one of the crew members informed officials about the emergency. The information was immediately shared with the concerned authorities in Oman for urgent action.
Responding promptly, the Oman Navy launched an aerial rescue operation using helicopters and evacuated all 24 Indian nationals from the Palau-flagged tanker anchored near Masirah. Officials later confirmed that every crew member had been brought to safety without any injuries or casualties.
The rapid response brought relief to the families of those onboard and highlighted the effectiveness of cross-border maritime coordination during emergencies. Authorities maintained constant communication throughout the operation to ensure that the evacuation was completed safely.
Officials stated that the vessel had reportedly been targeted in a missile strike, although further details regarding the circumstances of the attack are yet to emerge. Investigations into the incident are expected to continue.
The successful evacuation underscores the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding seafarers navigating sensitive maritime regions. Maritime agencies from both countries have been commended for their timely intervention, which prevented what could have turned into a major humanitarian crisis.
With all crew members confirmed safe, attention is now focused on assessing the impact of the attack on the vessel and determining the sequence of events that led to the emergency.
