A distress call made by an oil tanker carrying 24 Indians aboard the ship came to light after it met an attack near Oman that led to a rescue operation for all persons on board.
The Palau-registered oil tanker called MT Marivex suffered a fire and started flooding after it received an attack amid high tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, according to official accounts. An audio recording of the ship reveals a distress call made by one of its crew members.
“Sir, this is motor tanker Marivex. We have fire on board and the vessel is sinking,” the crew member reported in the distress call. All 24 crew members were safely rescued by Omani officials.
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Rescue operation launched after distress alert
According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, the MRCC of the Indian Coast Guard based in Mumbai got the news of the emergency situation at around 2:20 pm local time. Thereafter, the center coordinated with the Oman Maritime Search and Rescue Center for monitoring the situation and aiding in providing assistance.
Indian Navy in Harmouz 24 Indian Seafarers seeking urgent assistance at 2057.07N 059 degree 0813 off coast Oman onboard @IndiannavyMedia @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar @shipmin_india @ITFglobalunion pic.twitter.com/PljHOhTGVv
— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) June 8, 2026
The Royal Air Force of Oman deployed a helicopter from the island of Masirah, which made its way to the tanker within minutes. Images taken following the incident revealed that crew members were evacuated from the tanker by the rescue team.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence highlighted the operation as one reflecting the effectiveness of maritime cooperation and coordination internationally.
Evacuation of Seafarers from Vessel Marivex in under process. Thanks for every one’s support @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar @indiannavy @FsuiManoj @IMOHQ @ITFglobalunion pic.twitter.com/cyKIBqSqfh
— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) June 8, 2026
"The successful rescue operation underscores the effectiveness of international maritime cooperation and the robust coordination mechanisms among maritime rescue authorities in the region," the ministry said in a statement.
US confirms action against vessel
The incident unfolded amid escalating tensions surrounding maritime traffic linked to Iran. In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had acted against MT Marivex after the vessel allegedly failed to comply with directions issued under the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports.
According to CENTCOM, an F/A-18 Super Hornet operating from the USS Abraham Lincoln targeted the vessel's engineering and steering compartments with a precision-guided munition.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 8, 2026
The US military said the action was taken after multiple attempts to redirect the tanker away from Iranian waters. CENTCOM stated that MT Marivex was no longer capable of continuing its voyage following the strike.
Regional tensions continue to affect shipping
This particular case serves as a stark reminder of the increased threats that commercial ships face in the Gulf region because of the ongoing tensions among the countries. The Strait of Hormuz continues to be one of the most vital transport routes for the oil and gas industry.
Military actions, blockades, and security operations in the region have raised concerns regarding the safety of commercial ships navigating through the waters.
Also Read | Iran claims attack on US Fifth Fleet after fresh American strikes
Even though there is some mystery behind the journey of the ship, it is fortunate enough that all of its 24 Indian crew members were successfully rescued.
FAQs
Q1. What happened to MT Marivex near Oman?
MT Marivex was attacked and set on fire in the Gulf region while sinking.
Q2. Has everyone on board been rescued?
Yes, indeed. All 24 Indian crew members of the ship were successfully rescued.
