All 24 Indian crew rescued from tanker set ablaze off Oman after US strike

June 9, 2026

A tanker carrying 24 Indian crew members caught fire and began sinking in the Gulf of Oman after US military forces deliberately struck it with precision munitions for violating sanctions against Iran. The empty vessel, previously sanctioned for alleged Iranian connections, was targeted by an F/A-18 Super Hornet when it attempted to sail toward an Iranian port despite blockade orders. Omani authorities successfully rescued all crew members by helicopter and transported them to Masirah Island.

Who is affected

24 Indian seafarers aboard the MT Marivex tanker
Families of the crew members
The All India Seafarers Union
The Forward Seamen's Union of India
Omani authorities (who conducted the rescue)
US forces and US Central Command
Commercial shipping operations in Gulf waters

What action is being taken

Indian authorities are coordinating across government agencies to ensure the security of the rescued seafarers
The All India Seafarers Union is maintaining contact with the crew and authorities
US forces are enforcing an ongoing blockade against Iran in the Gulf of Oman

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangerous intersection of geopolitical tensions and commercial maritime operations in one of the world's most critical waterways. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of global energy supplies normally pass, making any disruption to shipping in this area significant for international trade and energy security. The escalating military enforcement actions and regional conflicts involving Iran, the US, and Israel are creating substantial hazards for civilian crew members and threatening the stability of crucial shipping routes.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC