An audio distress call from the MT Marivex reveals desperate pleas for help after a missile strike triggered a fire aboard the vessel
A dramatic distress call from the tanker MT Marivex has surfaced following a missile strike by the US Navy off the coast of Oman, revealing the tense moments aboard the vessel as its Indian crew sought urgent assistance.
In the audio recording, a crew member can be heard informing authorities that the ship had caught fire and was taking on water after the missile reportedly struck the engine room.
“Sir, this is motor tanker Marivex… We have fire on board, and vessel is sinking,” the crew member said in the emergency transmission.
The sailor further claimed that the tanker had suffered significant damage from the strike.
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
“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,” he said.
According to the distress call, all 24 crew members aboard the vessel were Indian nationals.
“Total all crew Indian. 24 crew, all crew Indian. Please help quickly, we need immediate help,” the crew member added.
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
The Palau-flagged MT Marivex, which had been sanctioned and blacklisted by the United States, was reportedly struck after attempting to bypass the American naval blockade around Iranian ports.
Following the incident, India’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai received information about the attack at approximately 2:20 PM IST and immediately coordinated with the Oman Maritime Search and Rescue Centre (OMSC) to monitor the emergency and assist in rescue efforts.
A Royal Air Force of Oman helicopter was subsequently deployed from Masirah Island. The aircraft reached the vessel shortly after take-off and began evacuating crew members from the damaged tanker.
Visuals from the rescue operation showed the helicopter hovering above the ship’s deck as sailors were safely airlifted from the vessel.
All 24 Indian crew members were successfully rescued by Omani authorities.
In a statement, India’s Ministry of Defence praised the coordinated response and highlighted the importance of regional maritime cooperation.
“The successful rescue operation underscores the effectiveness of international maritime cooperation and the robust coordination mechanisms among maritime rescue authorities in the region,” the ministry said.
The rescue brought a dramatic end to a maritime emergency that unfolded in the strategically important waters near Oman, ensuring the safe evacuation of all Indian nationals aboard the tanker.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
