Oman Rescues All 24 Indian Crew Members After Fire on Oil Tanker MT Marivex

All 24 Indian crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Marivex were rescued safely by Omani authorities after a fire broke out on the vessel south of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.

The rescue operation prompted a coordinated response involving Omani authorities, the Indian Embassy in Muscat, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), and other Indian agencies, amid concerns over maritime safety in the strategically important region.

What Happened on MT Marivex?

The fire incident occurred aboard MT Marivex, a Madagascar-flagged oil tanker operating south of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the fire was reported at around 1:30 pm on Monday. The vessel was not carrying any cargo at the time and was travelling in ballast condition.

Addressing an interministerial briefing on developments in West Asia, Director in the Shipping Division, Opesh Kumar Sharma, said, "This is the preliminary information which we have received. Based on this, as per available information, all Indian seafarers are presently safe."

How Did the Rescue Operation Unfold?

The rescue operation was carried out by Omani authorities after distress information emerged regarding the vessel.

Following the rescue, the Indian Embassy in Muscat acknowledged Oman's assistance and confirmed that all Indian nationals onboard had been brought to safety.

In a post on X, the embassy said, "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."

Earlier, the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) had sought urgent assistance for the vessel through a social media post that read, "Indian Navy in Harmouz 24 Indian Seafarers seeking urgent assistance at 2057.07N 059 degree 0813 off the coast of Oman onboard."

The Embassy of India in Oman subsequently responded, stating, "It is informed that the embassy has established contact."

What Is India Doing to Monitor the Situation?

Indian authorities have said they are closely monitoring developments and coordinating with multiple agencies.

Sharma said the Shipping Ministry is working with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions abroad, the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defence to ensure the wellbeing of the crew.

"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 said.

Was the Tanker Hit by a Projectile?

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Responding to questions about whether the vessel may have been struck 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."

He added, "The vessel was well out of the Strait of Hormuz and well clear to the south."

At this stage, officials have not confirmed any external cause for the blaze.

Why Is the Incident Significant?

The incident has drawn attention because it occurred near one of the world's most strategically important maritime corridors.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical route for global energy shipments, and any emergency involving commercial vessels in the broader region often triggers international attention.

While the circumstances behind the fire are still being examined, authorities have confirmed that the most immediate concern—the safety of the 24 Indian crew members—has been successfully addressed through the rescue operation carried out by Oman.

For now, all crew members are reported safe as Indian and Omani authorities continue to investigate the cause of the incident and assess the vessel's condition.

(With inputs from ANI)