Indian crew rescued after US strike disables tanker near Oman

Twenty-four Indian sailors were rescued off the coast of Oman after their tanker was struck by a US missile and left disabled at sea, according to statements from Indian authorities and the US military.

Twenty-four Indian sailors were rescued off the coast of Oman after their tanker was struck by a US missile and left disabled at sea, according to statements from Indian authorities and the US military.

The incident involved the oil tanker Marivex, a vessel previously sanctioned by the United States over alleged links to Iran. The ship was operating near Oman when a fire broke out on board, forcing the crew to issue urgent distress calls requesting immediate assistance.

In recordings later shared by maritime organisations, crew members reported that the vessel had been hit in its engine room and was taking on water. The sailors warned that the ship was sinking and repeatedly appealed for help, stressing that all 24 crew members were Indian nationals.

US Central Command later confirmed that American forces had targeted the vessel. According to the military, an F-18 Super Hornet fighter jet launched a precision strike against the ship’s engineering and steering sections after the vessel allegedly failed to comply with instructions related to a US-enforced blockade on Iranian ports.

American officials said the tanker had attempted to violate restrictions imposed as part of ongoing measures against Iran. The US military stated that Marivex was the seventh vessel disabled for breaching the blockade and claimed the ship was heading towards an Iranian port at the time of the incident.

The strike left the tanker unable to operate, triggering a fire and creating a dangerous situation for those on board. Crew members sent distress messages to maritime organisations in India, describing severe damage to the vessel and requesting urgent rescue assistance.

The rescue operation was carried out by Oman’s military. Flight tracking information showed a helicopter departing from Masirah Island and travelling to the vessel’s location shortly after emergency messages were received. Videos later circulated showing crew members being airlifted from the damaged ship to safety.

Indian officials confirmed that all 24 sailors were successfully evacuated and no fatalities were reported. Images released after the rescue showed the crew gathered safely on Masirah Island following the operation.

The Indian government acknowledged the incident and confirmed that a fire had broken out aboard the vessel. However, officials did not immediately comment on the circumstances that caused the blaze. The Indian Embassy in Oman also became involved after maritime unions alerted authorities through social media posts about the emergency.

Marivex has been under US sanctions due to allegations that it transported Iranian petroleum products. The vessel previously operated under a different name and has been linked by Washington to shipments involving fuel oil and other cargoes originating from Iran.

Ship tracking data indicated that the tanker had visited the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas earlier this year before making calls at ports on India’s western coast. In recent weeks, it had been operating in waters near Oman before the latest incident occurred.

The US military has not publicly stated whether Omani or Indian authorities were informed before the strike took place. Questions remain regarding the coordination between governments before the action was carried out.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions surrounding maritime activity in the region, where strategic shipping routes remain crucial for global energy supplies. With the tanker disabled and investigations continuing, attention is now focused on the broader implications of enforcing sanctions and military restrictions in one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.