VOI World/ Desk
An oil tanker carrying 24 Indian crew members caught fire off the coast of Oman, triggering an emergency response and raising concerns amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Authorities later confirmed that all Indian sailors aboard the vessel were safe and had been rescued.
The incident involved the Madagascar-flagged tanker MT Marivex, which reported a fire while sailing towards the Omani port of Duqm. According to officials from India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the vessel was empty at the time of the incident and was located well outside the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway that has been affected by regional tensions.
Initial reports indicated that the tanker issued a distress call after coming under attack while en route to Oman. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Indian officials said all 24 crew members on board were Indian nationals. Following the distress alert, coordination efforts were launched involving the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, maritime authorities and Omani officials to ensure the safety of the sailors.
The Embassy of India in Muscat confirmed that it was in contact with Omani authorities regarding the rescue operation. In a statement, the embassy thanked Oman for its swift response and assistance in ensuring the safety of all crew members aboard the vessel.
The incident comes at a time of renewed instability in the region following fresh hostilities between Israel and Iran. Although officials stressed that the tanker was operating outside the Strait of Hormuz, concerns remain over maritime security in nearby waters that serve as critical routes for global energy supplies and international shipping.
With all crew members reported safe, attention is now focused on determining what caused the fire and assessing any potential impact on regional shipping operations.
