24 Indian sailors rescued after US action sparks fire aboard tanker near Strait of Hormuz
All 24 Indian crew members aboard an oil tanker involved in a security incident in the Gulf of Oman have been rescued after a fire broke out on the vessel following action by United States forces.
Indian authorities confirmed that the sailors were safely evacuated after emergency alerts were sent from the tanker, reporting that the ship was ablaze and taking on water.
The vessel, identified as MT Marivex, was operating near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz when the incident occurred on Monday afternoon. Omani emergency services reportedly carried out a rescue operation, airlifting the crew to safety and transporting them to Masirah Island.
Officials from India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said all crew members were accounted for and unharmed, while government agencies continued to monitor the situation and provide assistance.
The incident later drew international attention after US Central Command stated that American forces had intervened against the tanker for allegedly attempting to breach measures imposed on maritime traffic linked to Iran.
According to the US military, the ship failed to comply with instructions issued by American forces. A US Navy fighter jet subsequently targeted key operational sections of the vessel, disabling its ability to continue its voyage.
American authorities said the tanker was not carrying cargo at the time of the strike.
The development comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, where ongoing disputes involving Iran, the United States and Israel have increased security concerns along major shipping routes.
Maritime industry groups in India expressed alarm after receiving distress messages from crew members during the emergency. However, both the All India Seafarers Union and the Forward Seamen’s Union of India later confirmed that the rescue operation had been successful and that all sailors were safe.
The Gulf of Oman and the nearby Strait of Hormuz remain among the world’s most critical maritime corridors, handling a significant share of global energy shipments. Recent geopolitical tensions have heightened risks for commercial vessels operating in the region, prompting increased military patrols and security measures.
Authorities in India and Oman have not reported any casualties, while investigations into the incident and the condition of the tanker are expected to continue
Source: BBC
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