24 Indian crew rescued from MT Marivex after Hormuz fire
Synopsis
All 24 Indian crew members aboard MT Marivex have been rescued after a fire broke out south of the Strait of Hormuz — a region already on edge from recurring maritime security incidents. Whether a projectile strike triggered the blaze remains unverified, adding a potentially serious dimension to what is otherwise a confirmed rescue success.
Key Takeaways
The Embassy of India in Muscat confirmed the rescue of all 24 Indian seafarers aboard MT Marivex on 8 June .
The fire broke out at approximately 1:30 pm on Monday, south of the Strait of Hormuz .
Omani authorities were credited by the Indian embassy for their swift rescue response.
MT Marivex was in ballast condition — carrying no cargo — at the time of the incident.
Whether the vessel was struck by a projectile is still being verified, according to Opesh Kumar Sharma , Director of the Shipping Division.
India's Shipping Ministry is coordinating with the MEA , Indian Navy , and Ministry of Defence on the matter.
The Embassy of India in Muscat confirmed on 8 June that all 24 Indian seafarers aboard MT Marivex have been rescued following a fire incident that broke out south of the Strait of Hormuz. The embassy credited Omani authorities with a swift response that ensured the safety of all crew members.
What the Embassy Said
In a post on X, the Embassy of India in Muscat stated: 'We are thankful to the Omani authorities for their swift response and rescue of all the 24 crew members of Indian nationality onboard MT Marivex, and for ensuring their safety.' The mission had earlier confirmed it was 'seized of an incident involving a ship with Indian sailors onboard' and was in contact with Omani authorities for their rescue.
How the Fire Unfolded
The fire aboard MT Marivex was reported at approximately 1:30 pm on Monday, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), which disclosed the timeline during an inter-ministerial briefing. A ministry spokesperson confirmed that 'all Indian seafarers are presently safe' based on preliminary information received.
Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director of the Shipping Division, noted that whether the vessel was struck by a projectile is still being verified. 'As you are aware, the fire incident was at 1:30 today,' he said, adding that authorities are 'in touch with the owners' and working to 'ascertain the facts.'
Vessel's Status and Location
At the time of the incident, MT Marivex was positioned well south of the Strait of Hormuz — a strategically sensitive waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The vessel was in ballast condition, meaning it was not carrying any cargo at the time. It had cleared the strait to the south.
Inter-Agency Coordination
The Shipping Ministry confirmed it is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian missions abroad, the Indian Navy, and the Ministry of Defence to monitor the situation and ensure the continued safety of the seafarers. This multi-agency response reflects the sensitivity of the region, where maritime security incidents have been recurring in recent years amid broader geopolitical tensions.
With all 24 crew members confirmed safe, attention now turns to the vessel's condition, the cause of the fire, and whether a projectile strike — as yet unverified — played any role in the incident.
Point of View
But the unverified projectile angle deserves scrutiny. The Strait of Hormuz and its southern approaches have seen a pattern of vessel incidents tied to regional tensions, and a fire alone rarely triggers this level of inter-ministerial coordination — involving the Navy and the Ministry of Defence alongside shipping authorities. Until the cause is confirmed, treating this as a routine maritime accident would be premature. Indian seafarers remain disproportionately represented in global merchant fleets, making crew safety in high-risk corridors a structural policy concern, not just a one-off rescue story.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to MT Marivex near the Strait of Hormuz?
MT Marivex, a vessel carrying 24 Indian crew members, suffered a fire incident south of the Strait of Hormuz on 8 June. All 24 seafarers were rescued safely, with Omani authorities credited for their swift response.
Are all 24 Indian crew members safe?
Yes. The Embassy of India in Muscat confirmed that all 24 Indian crew members aboard MT Marivex are safe following their rescue by Omani authorities.
Was MT Marivex hit by a projectile?
It has not been confirmed. Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director of the Shipping Division, stated that whether the ship was struck by a projectile is still being verified as of the inter-ministerial briefing on 8 June.
What was MT Marivex carrying at the time of the fire?
MT Marivex was in ballast condition at the time of the incident, meaning it was not carrying any cargo. The vessel had cleared the Strait of Hormuz to the south.
Which Indian agencies are involved in the response?
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Defence, and Indian missions abroad to monitor the situation and ensure crew safety.
