On Monday a U.S. jet hit the unladen oil tanker MT Marivex in the Gulf of Oman, sparking a blaze that quickly threatened to engulf the vessel. 24 Indian sailors aboard were in distress, sending messages that the ship was on fire and was sinking.
Omani forces responded by lifting the crew in a helicopter, evacuating them safely to Masirah Island with no injuries reported.
Indian authorities confirmed that all 24 crew were safe and are coordinating with maritime agencies to secure their welfare. The ship had been sanctioned by U.S. officials for alleged Iranian links prior to the incident.
The attack raises concerns for commercial shipping in the Gulf, already under pressure from the Iran blockade and heightened military activity in the Strait of Hormuz. Companies and unions have urged secure routes and better enforcement of maritime safety.
The U.S. Central Command stated its forces disabled the tanker after it failed to comply with orders, stating that the vessel will no longer sail to Iran. The incident shows how geopolitical tensions continually put crew and vessels at risk in vital shipping corridors.
