International Maritime Cooperation Ensures Safe Evacuation Following Attack on Tanker Near Masirah
Maritime News | New Delhi / Muscat: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Omani authorities successfully coordinated the rescue of 24 Indian seafarers following an incident involving the tanker MT Marivex off the coast of Oman, highlighting the effectiveness of international maritime search and rescue cooperation in a rapidly evolving security environment.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Indian Coast Guard, the incident occurred on June 8, 2026, when the Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex came under attack while operating near Masirah, Oman.
The Indian Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai received information regarding the incident at approximately 1420 hours and immediately initiated coordination with the Oman Maritime Search and Rescue Centre (OMSC).
Maintaining continuous communication with Omani authorities and other stakeholders, MRCC Mumbai closely monitored the situation while efforts were undertaken to ensure the safety of the Indian crew members onboard.
At approximately 1700 hours, OMSC confirmed that all 24 Indian seafarers had been safely rescued by helicopters operated by the Royal Oman Navy.
Authorities reported that all rescued crew members were safe and that no casualties or injuries had been recorded.
Vessel Remains Anchored Off Masirah
Following the evacuation, the MT Marivex remained anchored off Masirah while authorities continued assessing the situation.
The incident attracted widespread attention due to the presence of Indian nationals onboard and the ongoing security concerns affecting commercial shipping routes across the Gulf region.
The Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Embassy in Muscat, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Indian Coast Guard and other agencies remained actively engaged throughout the response process.
Demonstration of Effective Maritime SAR Coordination
Maritime experts note that the operation demonstrates the importance of established regional Search and Rescue (SAR) frameworks and coordination mechanisms between maritime authorities.
The swift communication between MRCC Mumbai and OMSC ensured timely information sharing and operational support, enabling the successful rescue of all crew members within hours of the incident being reported.
The rescue also highlights the growing importance of multinational maritime cooperation as commercial shipping continues to face heightened operational risks across strategically important waterways.
Seafarer Safety Remains a Priority
India remains one of the world’s largest suppliers of maritime manpower, with hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers serving onboard merchant vessels globally.
As geopolitical tensions continue to affect shipping operations in parts of West Asia, maritime authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding Indian seafarers and ensuring rapid emergency response whenever required.
The successful rescue of all 24 Indian crew members aboard MT Marivex stands as an example of effective coordination between maritime rescue agencies and international partners in protecting lives at sea.
