In a swift multinational maritime rescue operation, the US Navy coordinated the safe evacuation of all 14 Indian crew members from an Indian-flagged mechanised sailing vessel that began sinking due to engine failure off the Oman coast on Sunday.
The incident involving the MSC Virat 1 occurred approximately 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd in the Arabian Sea. The vessel, a traditional dhow, had reportedly departed from Sohar in Oman and was bound for Mumbai when it encountered mechanical trouble.
Engine failure triggers distress
The Indian-flagged vessel suffered a critical engine failure, leading to flooding and the risk of sinking. The crew issued a distress call, prompting immediate response from regional and international maritime authorities. The Indian Embassy in Muscat confirmed that 11 crew members were initially evacuated and transferred safely, with efforts continuing for the remaining members.
“All 14 Indian crew members have been safely rescued and are healthy,” the Embassy stated, adding that the crew was taken aboard a nearby merchant vessel.
US Navy’s prompt assistance
A US Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft responded swiftly to the distress signal. It dropped a life raft near the vessel and monitored the crew as they abandoned ship and boarded the raft. The US Navy also coordinated diversion of the nearby merchant vessel MV Jabal Ali 9 to assist in the rescue.
Indian authorities, including the Indian Navy, and Omani maritime agencies were alerted and provided support.
The operation highlighted effective coordination amid the busy and strategically sensitive waters near the Gulf of Oman.
Crew safe, vessel abandoned
All 14 Indian nationals were successfully transferred to the MV Jabal Ali 9 and are en route to Mumbai. No injuries were reported. The dhow was ultimately abandoned as it took on water.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating the crew’s safe return.
This incident comes against the backdrop of heightened maritime activity and security concerns in the region, though officials described it as a mechanical failure unrelated to other recent events.
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