14 Indian crew rescued after vessel sinks off Oman coast

All 14 Indian crew members aboard the Indian-flagged MSV Virat 1 have been successfully rescued following the vessel's sinking off the coast of Oman. The Indian Embassy in Muscat announced the successful completion of the operation on Sunday, confirming all crew members are safe and in good health.

The rescued seafarers are now aboard the MV Jabal Ali 9, en route to Mumbai. The MSV Virat 1 reportedly sank due to mechanical failure approximately 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd, Oman, on June 14.

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Rescue operation involving Indian Flagged MSV Virat 1 has been successfully completed. All 14 crew members have been rescued and are presently onboard Jabal Ali 9 heading to Mumbai. The crew members are safe and in good health.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) confirmed the safe accounting of all 14 Indian seafarers. Swift emergency response, continuous coordination with Omani authorities, the Embassy of India in Oman, and maritime stakeholders were crucial in ensuring the crew's safety. The DGS reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.

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In a closely coordinated and ongoing rescue operation at sea, 11 of the 14 crew members of MSC Virat 1 have been rescued and taken onboard by MV Jabal Ali 9. The rescue operation of the remaining members will be completed shortly. It has emerged that the vessel experienced an engine failure, and the crew eventually transferred safely to a liferaft. Rescue operation is presently underway through ships in the vicinity, under the coordination of Omani authorities. The Mission has learnt of an incident involving an Indian Flagged Mechanised Sailing Vessel Virat 1, off the coast of Oman, reportedly embarked with 14 Indian crew. Search and Rescue is being coordinated with the Omani authorities and vessels in vicinity of the incident.