MT Marivex Oman Attack: All 24 Indian Crew Members Rescued After US Navy Missile Strike Hits Sanctioned Tanker

An Indian crew member’s distressed plea for help from the burning tanker MT Marivex captured the tense moments after a US Navy strike off Oman, even as all 24 Indian crew members were later confirmed rescued safely by Omani authorities following the missile hit on the sanctioned vessel.

The Palau-flagged ship, black-listed and sanctioned by the US, was reportedly attempting to breach a blockade on Iranian ports when a missile struck, setting MT Marivex ablaze and causing flooding, while audio from the vessel revealed repeated calls for urgent assistance as the situation on board worsened.

Distress call details from MT Marivex Oman attack

In the distress transmission, a crew member clearly identified the vessel and described the severity of damage. "Sir, this is motor tanker Marivex... We have fire on board, and vessel is sinking," the crew member said. "US Navy attack, the missile on our engine room. We have hole at the bottom. We have fire onboard, please help... Please help, please help," the voice added.

Indian Navy in Harmouz 24 Indian Seafarers seeking urgent assistance at 2057.07N 059 degree 0813 off coast Oman onboard @IndiannavyMedia @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar @shipmin_india @ITFglobalunion pic.twitter.com/PljHOhTGVv

— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) June 8, 2026

The same caller stressed that every person on MT Marivex was from India and required immediate assistance. "Total all crew Indian. 24 crew, all crew Indian. Please help quickly, we need immediate help," the crew member said, underlining the urgency as the MT Marivex Oman attack unfolded in real time over radio channels.

US explanation for MT Marivex Oman attack

US officials later stated that the unladen tanker had tried several times to reach an Iranian port despite orders to turn away. "An F/A-18 Super Hornet from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fired a precision munition into the ship's engineering and steering spaces after the crew failed to comply with directions from U.S. forces. Marivex is no longer sailing to Iran," the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

Swift response by #MRCC #Mumbai following missile attack on MT Marivex in #OmanSRR.

On receiving information, MRCC Mumbai immediately coordinated with OMSC Oman, ensuring the safe rescue of 24 #Indian crew by #Oman Navy helicopters.@IndiaCoastGuard remains steadfast in its… pic.twitter.com/ULDjzgEK4g

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) June 9, 2026

According to reports, MT Marivex attempted to circumvent the US blockade four times, turning back on three earlier occasions after warnings. CENTCOM said American forces have disabled seven non-compliant ships, redirected 134 vessels that obeyed instructions, and permitted 42 vessels carrying humanitarian supplies since the blockade around Iran began on 13 April.

The wider confrontation around the MT Marivex Oman attack developed after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit corridor for oil and gas exports, once war broke out on 28 February, and the US later announced the naval blockade following unsuccessful peace talks hosted in Pakistan in April.

Rescue coordination during MT Marivex Oman attack

Amid the strike and fire, the Indian Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai received information at about 2:20 pm IST that MT Marivex, anchored off Masirah, had been hit, and officers quickly linked up with the Oman Maritime Search and Rescue Centre to track developments and focus on the crew’s safety.

A Royal Air Force of Oman helicopter then departed an air base on Masirah Island at about 3:25 pm and reached the tanker’s position just over 20 minutes later, with visuals showing the aircraft hovering above MT Marivex’s deck and winching crew members to safety as the MT Marivex Oman attack incident continued.

All 24 Indian crew members from MT Marivex were eventually rescued by the Omani military. India's Ministry of Defence said, "The successful rescue operation underscores the effectiveness of international maritime cooperation and the robust coordination mechanisms among maritime rescue authorities in the region. It also highlights the Indian Coast Guard's commitment to safeguarding Indian seafarers and facilitating timely assistance during maritime emergencies," reflecting the joint response to the MT Marivex Oman attack.