Oman rescues 24 Indians after ‘blacklisted’ oil tanker fire; MT Marivex was found not to be owned by India | Today’s news
All 24 Indian crew members on board the MT Marivex oil tanker have been safely rescued by Omani authorities after the Madagascar-flagged ship caught fire, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said on Monday.
In a post on X, the embassy thanked the Omani authorities for their quick response and efforts in ensuring the safety of Indian nationals.
“We are grateful to the Omani authorities for their quick response and rescue of all 24 crew members of Indian nationality on board the MT Marivex and ensuring their safety,” the Indian Embassy in Muscat said.
Blacklisted MT Marives found not to be owned by an Indian
Meanwhile, ANI quoting sources said, “On fire on board, MT Marivex – “MT Marivex is a Palau-flagged vessel. It is a blacklisted/OFAC-cleared vessel. It is not Indian owned. The vessel has attempted to evade the US blockade four times in the last few days. On three occasions, the vessel turned away after repeated warnings from the US Navy.
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“On June 8 (fourth attempt), the ship again attempted to pass the blockade using Omani territorial waters. She switched off her signaling devices to avoid detection. This pattern clearly shows that her intention was not above board. The ship was in an unladen condition when it was disabled. All 24 crew members, who happen to be Indian authorities, were rescued from Omani sources saying they are safe.
The rescue comes hours after the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) confirmed a fire on board the MT Marivex in the southern Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Director Shipping Division Opesh Kumar Sharma said the fire was reported around 1:30 pm today, ANI reported.
“This is the preliminary information that we have received. As per available information, all Indian sailors are currently safe,” Sharma said.
He said the ministry was coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions Abroad and the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defense to ensure the safety of the sailors.
“We are in contact with the owners and we are trying to find out the facts. We are also in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our mission in Oman,” he added.
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On whether the ship was hit by a projectile, Sharma said: “So whether the ship was hit by a projectile or not, we are currently trying to get absolute information. As you know, the fire happened at 1.30 am today.”
“The vessel was well out of the Strait of Hormuz and well to the south,” he added.
According to the Department of Maritime Transport, the vessel, an oil tanker, was carrying no cargo and was in ballast condition.
“It’s a Madagascar flag. Only Indian sailors were on board,” Sharma remarked.
Earlier in the day, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) posted on X that Indian sailors on board the vessel were seeking emergency assistance off the coast of Oman.
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“Indian Navy in Harmouz 24 Indian sailors seeking urgent assistance at 2057.07N 059 deg 0813 off Oman coast on board,” the post said.
The Embassy of India in Oman responded to the FSUI post and made direct contact with the seafarers on board the vessel.
We are grateful to the Omani authorities for their quick response and rescue of all 24 crew members of Indian nationality on board MT Marivex and ensuring their safety.
“It is informed that the embassy has made contact,” the embassy said.
