What is the story about?
A merchant tanker carrying 24 Indian seafarers sent out an emergency distress call after reportedly coming under attack while sailing towards the port of Duqm in Oman. The incident comes against a backdrop of mounting security concerns across West Asia, where a fragile ceasefire has come under strain following renewed exchanges of attacks between Iran and Israel.
The vessel, identified as the motor tanker MARIVEX, was reportedly operating off the Omani coast when the crew sought urgent assistance, warning that the ship was on fire and at risk of sinking.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, all 24 Indian crew members aboard the MT Marivex are safe. Sharing a preliminary assessment, Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director in the ministry's Shipping Division, said authorities received information about the incident at around 1:30 pm.
"This is the preliminary information which we have received, based on which, as per available information, all Indian seafarers are presently safe," Sharma said. He added that the government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions overseas, the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defence to monitor the situation and ensure the crew's safety. "We are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, our Indian missions abroad, the Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence to ensure their safety," he said.
In an audio message, a crew member described severe damage to the vessel and difficulties launching emergency evacuation equipment.
"Sir, this is motor tanker MARIVEX. This is motor tanker MARIVEX. We are on fire on board. We have fire on board, and vessel is sinking."
"Our lifeboat also caught fire. We are unable to lower the lifeboat. One lifeboat is missing. That is damaged. Rope is catch fire. We are unable to lower lifeboat. We are unable to lower liferaft. Hull is damaged. Hull is on fire. Please help. Please help."
The caller repeatedly identified the vessel and reported that the situation onboard was deteriorating rapidly.
The crew member also alleged that the vessel had been struck by a missile.
The audio claimed, "US Navy attacked the missile on our Indian room. We have holes at the bottom. We have fire on board. Please help."
The message urged authorities to use the vessel's AIS data to locate the tanker.
"This is motor tanker MARIVEX. You can see our large position recorded in our AIS. That is our position. Please help. Please help. We have fire on board."
The distress call stated that all 24 crew members onboard were Indian citizens and required immediate assistance.
Following the circulation of the distress messages online, the Indian Embassy in Oman responded to one of the appeals on X.
The vessel, identified as the motor tanker MARIVEX, was reportedly operating off the Omani coast when the crew sought urgent assistance, warning that the ship was on fire and at risk of sinking.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, all 24 Indian crew members aboard the MT Marivex are safe. Sharing a preliminary assessment, Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director in the ministry's Shipping Division, said authorities received information about the incident at around 1:30 pm.
"This is the preliminary information which we have received, based on which, as per available information, all Indian seafarers are presently safe," Sharma said. He added that the government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions overseas, the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defence to monitor the situation and ensure the crew's safety. "We are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, our Indian missions abroad, the Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence to ensure their safety," he said.
Crew issues urgent appeal for rescue
In an audio message, a crew member described severe damage to the vessel and difficulties launching emergency evacuation equipment.
"Sir, this is motor tanker MARIVEX. This is motor tanker MARIVEX. We are on fire on board. We have fire on board, and vessel is sinking."
"Our lifeboat also caught fire. We are unable to lower the lifeboat. One lifeboat is missing. That is damaged. Rope is catch fire. We are unable to lower lifeboat. We are unable to lower liferaft. Hull is damaged. Hull is on fire. Please help. Please help."
The caller repeatedly identified the vessel and reported that the situation onboard was deteriorating rapidly.
The crew member also alleged that the vessel had been struck by a missile.
The audio claimed, "US Navy attacked the missile on our Indian room. We have holes at the bottom. We have fire on board. Please help."
The message urged authorities to use the vessel's AIS data to locate the tanker.
"This is motor tanker MARIVEX. You can see our large position recorded in our AIS. That is our position. Please help. Please help. We have fire on board."
The distress call stated that all 24 crew members onboard were Indian citizens and required immediate assistance.
Indian Embassy in Oman responds
Following the circulation of the distress messages online, the Indian Embassy in Oman responded to one of the appeals on X.
Please provide your phone number for contacting you.
— India in Oman (Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) June 8, 2026
