Oman rescues 24 Indians after fire on ‘blacklisted’ oil tanker; MT Marivex found not Indian-owned

Oman Rescues 24 Indians After Fire on Blacklisted Oil Tanker

Theindiapostdaily.com – Oman rescues 24 Indians after a fire broke out on the blacklisted oil tanker MT Marivex, successfully evacuating all Indian crew members. According to the Indian Embassy in Muscat, the incident occurred in the southern Strait of Hormuz, where the ship was flagged under Madagascar and had previously attempted to evade US sanctions. The Omani authorities’ swift action ensured the safety of the 24 Indian seafarers, who were onboard the vessel. This event highlights the importance of international cooperation in maritime emergencies.

MT Marivex and OFAC Sanctions

The MT Marivex, a Palau-flagged ship, was identified as a target of US sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The sanctions were imposed due to its alleged ties to illicit activities, including bypassing US blockades in the past. Despite being blacklisted, the vessel managed to operate in Omani waters before the fire incident. The Indian Embassy confirmed that the ship was not Indian-owned, emphasizing the need for global coordination to address such cases. This incident underscores the risks faced by Indian seafarers on foreign-flagged ships.

Fire Incident and Crew Safety

The fire aboard the MT Marivex was reported around 1:30 pm local time, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). Officials stated the vessel was in a ballast condition, carrying no cargo, when the blaze occurred. The Omani authorities responded promptly, working alongside the Indian mission to evacuate the crew. “Oman rescues 24 Indians after the fire incident, and all seafarers are now safe,” confirmed a spokesperson. The event also showcased the efficiency of interagency communication between the Indian government and Omani officials.

“We are thankful to the Omani authorities for their swift response and Oman rescues 24 Indians after the fire on MT Marivex,” said the Embassy of India in Muscat. “This incident demonstrates the critical role of timely coordination in ensuring the safety of Indian nationals abroad.”

FSUI’s Role in the Rescue

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) played a pivotal role in alerting authorities to the emergency. The union shared coordinates on social media, marking the location of the MT Marivex as it sought assistance off Oman’s coast. The Indian Embassy quickly acted on the FSUI’s report, establishing contact with the crew and initiating rescue operations. “Oman rescues 24 Indians after the fire, and the FSUI’s timely intervention was crucial,” added embassy officials. This collaboration between maritime unions and diplomatic missions is vital for crew safety in international waters.

“Indian Navy in Hormuz, 24 Indian seafarers seeking urgent assistance at 2057.07N 059 degree 0813 off Oman’s coast,” the FSUI message read. “The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerabilities of Indian seafarers on foreign-flagged vessels.”

Aftermath and Government Response

In the aftermath of the fire, the Indian government intensified its efforts to investigate the MT Marivex’s evasion of sanctions. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Navy are collaborating with Omani authorities to determine the ship’s exact route and the circumstances leading to the incident. “Oman rescues 24 Indians after the fire, and this case has prompted a review of our maritime protocols,” said a government official. The event has also renewed calls for stricter oversight of foreign-flagged ships carrying Indian crew members.

Meanwhile, the Indian seafarers are recovering from the ordeal, with the embassy providing support for their return home. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for better tracking systems and emergency response mechanisms for ships operating in high-risk regions. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of Indian nationals on international voyages, especially those aboard blacklisted vessels.