New Delhi, 09 June (H.S.): Twenty-four Indian crew members aboard a merchant tanker near the coast of Oman were safely rescued following a missile attack on the vessel. The Indian Coast Guard confirmed that all rescued crew members are safe, with no reports of casualties or injuries. The successful operation stands as a testament to international maritime cooperation and the strong coordination mechanisms established among maritime rescue authorities in the region.

Indian Coast Guard Commandant Amit Uniyal stated that the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Mumbai, demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the safety of Indian seafarers worldwide by coordinating closely with Omani authorities during the rescue operation.

According to him, the Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex was anchored near Masirah, Oman, when it came under missile attack. Information regarding the incident was received by MRCC Mumbai at approximately 2:20 p.m. on June 8. At the time of the attack, the vessel had a crew of 24, all of whom were Indian nationals.

Uniyal said that the information about the missile strike was conveyed to MRCC Mumbai by a relative of one of the crew members. Recognising the seriousness of the situation and the immediate threat to the crew’s safety, MRCC promptly established contact with the Oman Maritime Search and Rescue Centre (OMSRC) and requested urgent assistance for the vessel and its crew.

Responding swiftly, OMSRC dispatched a nearby vessel to the scene and launched a rescue operation by deploying two rescue helicopters.

He further stated that continuous coordination was maintained among both agencies and other concerned stakeholders to monitor the evolving situation and ensure the safety of the Indian crew members. At around 5:00 p.m., OMSRC confirmed that all 24 Indian crew members had been safely evacuated by helicopters operated by the Royal Navy of Oman.

The operation also underscored the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to protecting Indian seafarers and providing timely assistance during maritime emergencies, irrespective of location.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), responsible for a vast Search and Rescue (SAR) region in the Indian Ocean, continues to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure the safety of life at sea. As a trusted maritime security partner, the Indian Coast Guard remains committed to safeguarding seafarers, strengthening international cooperation and promoting a secure maritime environment throughout the Indian Ocean Region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar