MT Marivex fire: All 24 Indian crew rescued, US Navy contact confirmed
Synopsis
All 24 Indian crew members aboard MT Marivex were rescued after a fire disabled the Palau-flagged vessel off Oman — but the MEA's disclosure that the ship had communicated with the US Navy before the incident raises pointed questions about what happened in those waters near the Strait of Hormuz, and whether this was an accident or something more.
Key Takeaways
All 24 Indian crew members aboard MT Marivex were rescued safely after a fire incident off the coast of Oman .
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on 9 June that there was an exchange of communication between the vessel and the US Navy before the incident.
The fire was reported at approximately 1:30 pm on Monday , south of the Strait of Hormuz .
Whether the ship was struck by a projectile is still being verified, according to Opesh Kumar Sharma , Director of the Shipping Division.
The Embassy of India in Muscat coordinated with Omani authorities , who carried out the rescue operation.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday, 9 June confirmed that all 24 Indian crew members aboard the Palau-flagged vessel MT Marivex had been rescued safely after a fire incident disabled the ship off the coast of Oman. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also disclosed that there had been an exchange of communication between the vessel and the US Navy before the incident occurred.
What the MEA Said
Addressing the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Jaiswal confirmed the key details of the incident. 'The ship MT Marivex was disabled off the coast of Oman. We have learned that it is a Palau-flagged vessel. We also understand there was some exchange of communication between the ship and the US Navy before the incident. There were 24 crew members on board the ship, all of them being Indian nationals. All 24 have been rescued, and they are safe,' he stated.
Jaiswal added that India's embassy had coordinated with Omani authorities for the rescue. 'Our Embassy for this purpose, for the evacuation and rescue purpose, contacted the Omani authorities who swung into action,' he said, also noting coordination with the Ministry of Shipping and MRCC among other stakeholders.
India's Embassy Thanks Oman
The Embassy of India in Muscat had on Monday issued a statement confirming the rescue of all 24 seafarers following the fire, which broke out south of the Strait of Hormuz. '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 Embassy stated on X.
Jaiswal echoed the sentiment at the briefing: 'We thank and are grateful to the Omani government for their excellent support in rescuing the crew and ensuring safety. Our mission continues to be in touch with the seafarers.'
Timeline and Cause Under Investigation
During an inter-ministerial briefing, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) said the fire was reported at around 1:30 pm on Monday. Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director of the Shipping Division, said whether the ship was struck by a projectile is still being verified. 'We are in touch with the owners, and we are trying to ascertain the facts. We are also in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and our mission in Oman,' he said.
The disclosure of prior communication between MT Marivex and the US Navy before the fire adds a significant dimension to the investigation, given the strategic sensitivity of the waters near the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil transit route that has seen recurring incidents involving commercial vessels in recent years.
Broader Context
This is not an isolated episode. The waters near the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea have witnessed multiple incidents involving commercial shipping in recent years, including drone and missile attacks attributed to various actors in the region. India, with one of the world's largest seafaring workforces, has repeatedly had to activate diplomatic and maritime rescue channels in such situations. The MEA's swift coordination with Omani authorities and multiple domestic ministries reflects an established inter-agency response framework for maritime emergencies involving Indian nationals abroad.
As investigations continue, the Indian government is expected to seek clarity on the cause of the fire and the nature of the pre-incident communication with the US Navy.
Point of View
And the Indian government's careful phrasing — 'some exchange of communication' — suggests it knows more than it is ready to say publicly. India's priority was rightly the rescue of its 24 nationals, but the cause of the fire remains unresolved. With a Palau flag of convenience, a US Navy connection, and a projectile strike not yet ruled out, this incident sits at the intersection of maritime security and geopolitics that New Delhi cannot afford to treat as routine.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to MT Marivex off the coast of Oman?
MT Marivex, a Palau-flagged vessel, was disabled by a fire south of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. All 24 Indian crew members aboard were rescued safely, with Omani authorities playing a key role in the operation.
Were there any casualties among the Indian crew?
No. All 24 Indian nationals aboard MT Marivex were rescued and confirmed safe, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on 9 June.
Why is the communication between MT Marivex and the US Navy significant?
The MEA confirmed there was an exchange of communication between MT Marivex and the US Navy before the fire incident. This is significant because it raises questions about the circumstances leading up to the fire, particularly as investigators have not yet ruled out a projectile strike as the cause.
What caused the fire on MT Marivex?
The cause has not been officially confirmed. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said the fire broke out at around 1:30 pm on Monday, and the Shipping Division's Director Opesh Kumar Sharma stated that whether the vessel was hit by a projectile is still being verified.
Which Indian agencies were involved in the rescue coordination?
The Embassy of India in Muscat coordinated directly with Omani authorities for the rescue. Domestically, the MEA worked alongside the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to manage the response.
