14 Indian Crew on Vessel 'Virat 1' in Trouble Off Oman; Indian, US Navies Come To Rescue

An incident has been reported on Sunday involving a vessel with 14 Indian crew members off the coast of Oman, according to the Embassy of India in Muscat. It said that search and rescue is being coordinated with the Omani authorities and vessels in vicinity of the incident. The Oman coast witnessed tensions last week as three vessels with Indian crew members came under US attack in the region. One of them killed three seafarers.The Embassy said that the vessel experienced an engine failure. "The Mission has learnt of an incident involving an Indian Flagged Mechanised Sailing Vessel Virat 1, off the coast of Oman, reportedly embarked with 14 Indian crew. Search and Rescue is being coordinated with the Omani authorities and vessels in vicinity of the incident,"

the Indian Embassy of India in Oman posted on X."It has emerged that the vessel experienced an engine failure, and the crew eventually transferred safely to a liferaft. Rescue operation is presently underway through ships in vicinity, under coordination of Omani authorities," the Embassy added.

A dhow began sinking off the coast of Oman and was safely moved to a life raft, even as rescue efforts continue in the region, reported news agency ANI earlier, citing sources.According to inputs received from the US Navy, the dhow — identified as MSV Virat 1 — ran into distress approximately 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd on June 14. Acting swiftly, a US Navy P-8 aircraft dropped a life raft near the vessel and monitored the crew as they evacuated, the report said.Sources told the news agency all 14 Indians on board have successfully embarked on the life raft. The Indian Navy has also diverted vessel towards the location to assist in the rescue operation.Further details on the condition of the crew and the progress of the rescue operation are awaited.