Indian Cargo Vessel Sinks Off Oman Coast After Engine Failure; All 14 Crew Members Rescued Safely

An Indian commercial vessel sank off the coast of Oman on Sunday after suffering a major mechanical malfunction, prompting a swift rescue operation that saved all 14 crew members on board.

The Embassy of India in Muscat confirmed that the incident was caused by an engine failure and that all crew members were safely evacuated and transferred to another ship bound for Mumbai.

According to the Indian mission in Oman, the Indian-flagged merchant vessel, MSV Virat 1, encountered technical difficulties after its engine reportedly failed while sailing in Omani waters.

The situation quickly escalated, eventually forcing the crew to abandon the vessel.

In a statement posted on X, the Embassy said the rescue mission had been completed successfully.

All 14 sailors were rescued and moved aboard Jabal Ali 9, a cargo vessel heading towards Mumbai. Officials also confirmed that every crew member was safe, in good health and receiving the necessary care during the onward journey.

Sources familiar with the incident told PTI that the vessel eventually sank because of the severe mechanical failure.

Before the rescue was completed, the Indian Embassy had informed that the crew had safely transferred to a life raft after the engine breakdown and were awaiting assistance.

The Embassy further noted that nearby ships participated in the rescue operation under the coordination of Omani authorities.

The prompt response by local authorities and neighbouring vessels ensured that the crew members were brought to safety without any casualties.

Indian Seafarers Face Growing Risks Amid West Asia Conflict

The incident comes at a time when India is dealing with mounting concerns over the safety of its seafarers amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In recent days, at least three commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members have reportedly come under attack by US forces, resulting in multiple casualties and increasing anxiety within the maritime community.

Last week, the Indian government summoned the United States’ senior diplomat in New Delhi, Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks, for the second time in a week and lodged a strong diplomatic protest over repeated attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian nationals in the Gulf of Oman.

One of the deadliest incidents involved the tanker MT Settebello, which came under attack and resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued, while the remaining three lost their lives.

Earlier, another vessel, MT Jalveer, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker operating near the Oman coast, was struck when US forces reportedly fired Hellfire missiles into its engine room. Fortunately, all 20 Indian sailors on board were safely evacuated.

Strategic Waterway at the Centre of Global Economic Concerns

The conflict in West Asia, triggered by the US-Israeli military action against Iran on February 28 and the subsequent naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, has exposed Indian seafarers and maritime workers to unprecedented risks.

As a significant number of Indians are employed in the global shipping industry, many have found themselves caught in the middle of a geopolitical crisis far beyond their control.

Reports indicate that at least 13 Indian nationals have lost their lives since the conflict began, while one individual remains missing.

The situation has raised serious concerns about the safety of Indian citizens working aboard international vessels operating in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, carrying nearly 20 per cent of the global energy supply.

The disruption of shipping through the strait has significantly affected countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, while also triggering a surge in international oil and gas prices.

The crisis has also impacted the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to India and several other countries, increasing concerns about energy security and inflationary pressures worldwide.

Amid the escalating tensions, US President Donald Trump earlier stated that a peace agreement could be signed on Sunday.

However, Iranian officials have not indicated any timeline for such a deal, leaving uncertainty over when stability may return to one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.