Oil Tanker Marivex Hit by US Missile Near Oman
The crew of the oil tanker Marivex sent an urgent distress call after the vessel was struck by a US missile near Oman on Monday. Crew members reported that the ship caught fire and began sinking following the attack.
Crew Reports Fire and Damage
According to messages shared with BBC Verify, the crew said the tanker suffered major damage and required immediate assistance.
All 24 Indian Crew Members Rescued
Omani military forces successfully rescued all 24 crew members aboard the tanker. Indian authorities later confirmed that every crew member was safe.
US Military Says Tanker Violated Iran Blockade
Marivex Accused of Breaking Iran Port Blockade
The US military said the tanker violated a blockade imposed on Iranian ports. According to US officials, the vessel failed to follow instructions from American forces.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Shipping Route
The blockade was introduced after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas transportation.
Fire Reported Before Strike Details Confirmed
Indian official Opesh Kumar Sharma stated that a fire broke out on the tanker at approximately 1:30 p.m. India time. However, he did not specify what caused the fire.
US Fighter Jet Conducted Precision Strike
Later, the US military confirmed that a fighter jet launched a precision-guided missile targeting the ship’s engine room and steering systems, disabling the vessel.
Indian Crew Sends Emergency Distress Call
Crew Requests Immediate Help
After the strike, the crew transmitted an emergency distress call, warning that the tanker was sinking and that they needed urgent rescue assistance.
Tanker Sustained Serious Damage
Crew members reported extensive damage to the vessel and said they were stranded at sea following the attack.
Distress Call Received by Seafarers Union
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India received the distress call at approximately 2:15 p.m. India time and later shared details of the incident on social media. read more
Vessel Located Off Oman’s Coast
At the time of the emergency, the Marivex was reportedly located around 28 kilometers off the coast of Oman.
Oman Launches Rescue Operation
Indian Embassy Assists Rescue Efforts
Another Indian seafarers’ organization also received emergency communications from the crew. The Indian Embassy in Oman helped coordinate rescue efforts with local authorities.
Royal Air Force of Oman Responds
A helicopter operated by the Royal Air Force of Oman flew to the tanker’s location and evacuated the crew members.
Crew Safely Transported to Masirah Island
Videos and photographs showed rescue personnel lifting sailors to safety before transporting them to Masirah Island in Oman.
Questions Raised About Advance Warning
BBC Verify Seeks Answers From US Military
BBC Verify asked whether US authorities informed Oman or India before carrying out the strike.
No Response From US Officials
The US military did not provide a response regarding any prior notification to Omani or Indian authorities.
Marivex Previously Sanctioned Over Iran Links
Formerly Operated as Arihant
The tanker previously operated under the name Arihant and had already been sanctioned by the United States because of alleged connections to Iran.
Owner Also Under US Sanctions
US authorities have also sanctioned the company that owns the vessel, accusing it of transporting Iranian oil and related products.
Tanker’s Recent Route
Shipping records show that Marivex visited an Iranian port in April before sailing to ports on India’s west coast. The vessel later returned to the Arabian Sea and spent time near Oman’s coastline.
US Claims Tanker Was Heading Toward Iranian Port
Vessel Was Not Carrying Cargo
According to the US military, Marivex was not carrying cargo when it was struck.
Alleged Attempt to Breach Blockade
US officials claimed the tanker was attempting to travel toward an Iranian port, violating the ongoing blockade and prompting military action.
Oil Tanker Marivex Hit by US Missile Near Oman
The crew of the oil tanker Marivex sent an urgent distress call after the vessel was struck by a US missile near Oman on Monday. Crew members reported that the ship caught fire and began sinking following the attack. know more
Crew Reports Fire and Damage
According to messages shared with BBC Verify, the crew said the tanker suffered major damage and required immediate assistance.
All 24 Indian Crew Members Rescued
Omani military forces successfully rescued all 24 crew members aboard the tanker. Indian authorities later confirmed that every crew member was safe.
US Military Says Tanker Violated Iran Blockade
Marivex Accused of Breaking Iran Port Blockade
The US military said the tanker violated a blockade imposed on Iranian ports. According to US officials, the vessel failed to follow instructions from American forces.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Shipping Route
The blockade was introduced after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas transportation.
Fire Reported Before Strike Details Confirmed
Indian official Opesh Kumar Sharma stated that a fire broke out on the tanker at approximately 1:30 p.m. India time. However, he did not specify what caused the fire.
US Fighter Jet Conducted Precision Strike
Later, the US military confirmed that a fighter jet launched a precision-guided missile targeting the ship’s engine room and steering systems, disabling the vessel.
Indian Crew Sends Emergency Distress Call
Crew Requests Immediate Help
After the strike, the crew transmitted an emergency distress call, warning that the tanker was sinking and that they needed urgent rescue assistance.
Tanker Sustained Serious Damage
Crew members reported extensive damage to the vessel and said they were stranded at sea following the attack.
Distress Call Received by Seafarers Union
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India received the distress call at approximately 2:15 p.m. India time and later shared details of the incident on social media.
Vessel Located Off Oman’s Coast
At the time of the emergency, the Marivex was reportedly located around 28 kilometers off the coast of Oman.
Oman Launches Rescue Operation
Indian Embassy Assists Rescue Efforts
Another Indian seafarers’ organization also received emergency communications from the crew. The Indian Embassy in Oman helped coordinate rescue efforts with local authorities.
Royal Air Force of Oman Responds
A helicopter operated by the Royal Air Force of Oman flew to the tanker’s location and evacuated the crew members.
Crew Safely Transported to Masirah Island
Videos and photographs showed rescue personnel lifting sailors to safety before transporting them to Masirah Island in Oman.
Questions Raised About Advance Warning
BBC Verify Seeks Answers From US Military
BBC Verify asked whether US authorities informed Oman or India before carrying out the strike.
No Response From US Officials
The US military did not provide a response regarding any prior notification to Omani or Indian authorities.
Marivex Previously Sanctioned Over Iran Links
Formerly Operated as Arihant
The tanker previously operated under the name Arihant and had already been sanctioned by the United States because of alleged connections to Iran.
Owner Also Under US Sanctions
US authorities have also sanctioned the company that owns the vessel, accusing it of transporting Iranian oil and related products.
Tanker’s Recent Route
Shipping records show that Marivex visited an Iranian port in April before sailing to ports on India’s west coast. The vessel later returned to the Arabian Sea and spent time near Oman’s coastline.
US Claims Tanker Was Heading Toward Iranian Port
Vessel Was Not Carrying Cargo
According to the US military, Marivex was not carrying cargo when it was struck.
Alleged Attempt to Breach Blockade
US officials claimed the tanker was attempting to travel toward an Iranian port, violating the ongoing blockade and prompting military action.