Rescue Operation Successful: 24 Indian Sailors Saved from US-Strike Hit Tanker

In a dramatic rescue operation, twenty-four Indian sailors were successfully evacuated from the tanker Marivex, which was struck by a missile from the United States military off the coast of Oman. The incident unfolded on Monday and has raised significant concerns regarding maritime safety in the region, particularly amidst ongoing tensions linked to Iran.

The US Central Command reported that the Palau-flagged vessel was targeted after it allegedly attempted to breach a blockade enforced by the US, aimed at restricting maritime traffic associated with Iran. Officials indicated that the Marivex was not carrying any cargo at the time it was hit, suggesting that the strike was a preventive measure against perceived violations of the blockade.

The Marivex has been under scrutiny by US authorities since December due to alleged connections with Iran’s oil trade amid the broader geopolitical conflicts affecting West Asia. It was one of the few vessels that managed to exit the strategically important Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire announcement earlier in April.

Following the missile strike, an audio message surfaced, purportedly from Manoj Yadav, the General Secretary of the Forward Seamen’s Union of India. The message indicated that the crew was in a perilous situation, with the ship taking on water after the attack, particularly damaging the engine room. Furthermore, it was reported that a fire had broken out on board, complicating evacuation efforts as lifeboats on one side of the ship became inaccessible.

Despite the proximity of a US warship, the sailors expressed frustration over a lack of immediate assistance. Eventually, the 24 seafarers were airlifted by helicopter and transported to safety on Masirah Island, marking a successful conclusion to what could have been a far more tragic scenario. The incident underscores the increasing risks faced by maritime crews operating in volatile regions and highlights the ongoing complexities of international maritime law amid geopolitical tensions.

Source: scroll.in