Indian Crew Rescued After Missile Attack on Tanker Near Oman
Successful Rescue of Indian Crew Members
New Delhi: In a coordinated effort with Omani authorities, twenty-four Indian crew members aboard a Palau-flagged merchant tanker were successfully rescued following a missile strike on their vessel off the coast of Oman, as reported by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Tuesday.
On June 8, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai received alerts regarding the missile attack on the tanker MT Marivex, which was anchored near Masirah, Oman. This information was initially communicated to the MRCC by a family member of one of the crew members.
Upon receiving the distress signal, the MRCC promptly collaborated with Omani authorities to facilitate the rescue of the Indian sailors after the missile incident.
The ICG stated, "Recognizing the seriousness of the situation and the imminent danger to the crew's safety, MRCC Mumbai quickly established contact with the Oman Maritime Search and Rescue Centre (OMSC) and requested them to take charge of the Search Mission Coordinator (SMC) role and provide urgent assistance to the vessel and its crew."
In a swift response, OMSC initiated the rescue operation by redirecting a nearby ship and deploying two rescue helicopters to the site of the incident.
Ongoing communication was maintained between the Mumbai and Oman rescue centers, along with other relevant parties, to monitor the evolving situation and ensure the crew's safety.
Later that same day, OMSC confirmed that all crew members had been safely rescued by helicopters from the Oman Navy.
The rescued crew members are reported to be unharmed, with no injuries or fatalities. The tanker remains anchored off Masirah, Oman, according to ICG officials.
This successful rescue operation underscores the importance of international maritime collaboration and the effective coordination mechanisms established among maritime rescue authorities in the region.