Indian Vessel Suffers Engine Failure Off Oman Coast; US Navy Assists In Rescue

Indian-flagged vessel Virat 1 suffered an engine failure off Oman, forcing 14 Indian crew members onto a liferaft. Search and rescue operations are underway amid growing concerns.

Indian-flagged vessel Virat 1 suffered an engine failure off Oman, forcing 14 Indian crew members onto a liferaft. (File Image)

Source : PTI

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• Fourteen Indian crew abandoned ship; rescue operations underway.

A major rescue operation was launched on Sunday after a boat carrying 14 Indian nationals began sinking in the sea near the coast of Oman. The operation is being carried out with the assistance of the US Navy, the Indian Navy and a merchant vessel.

According to preliminary information, the vessel got into distress about 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd, Oman, prompting authorities to initiate immediate search and rescue efforts.

US Navy Issues Alert, Informs Indian Navy

Government sources said the US Navy received information about the distresse on Sunday morning. Following the alert, the US Navy informed coastal authorities and the Indian Navy to ensure a swift rescue response.

P-8 Aircraft Deploys Life Raft

Sources said a US Navy P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft reached the location and dropped a life raft into the sea while monitoring the rescue operation.

As the dhow began sinking, those on board reportedly moved onto the life raft.

The rescue mission also involved MV Jabal Ali 9, a merchant vessel flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The ship was travelling from Sohar to Mumbai when it was diverted toward the distressed boat following a request from the US Navy's P-8 aircraft.

All 14 Passengers Are Indian Nationals

Government officials confirmed that all 14 people aboard the dhow are Indian citizens. No official update on their condition has been released so far, but authorities are closely monitoring the rescue operation.

The incident occurred off Oman's eastern coast, near the Strait of Hormuz, a region that has gained heightened strategic importance amid rising tensions and conflicts in West Asia in recent months.

Commercial shipping in the region has already been affected by ongoing tensions. Several shipping companies and maritime agencies have been operating with increased caution.

Reports indicate that hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers in the Gulf region and around the Strait of Hormuz have been facing disruptions to maritime activities for an extended period.

Cause Of Sinking Still Unknown

The reason behind the dhow's distress and possible sinking remains unclear. Officials said rescue efforts are ongoing and the incident is under investigation.

Authorities expressed hope that all 14 Indian nationals would be rescued safely.