All 14 Indian crew members aboard the Indian flagged mechanised sailing vessel ‘Virat 1’ were rescued after an engine failure off the coast of Oman. They are currently safe and in good health onboard Jabal Ali 9, heading to Mumbai. The rescue operation, coordinated by Omani authorities, successfully evacuated the crew members from the distressed vessel.
The Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed the completion of the rescue operation, stating that the crew members were transferred to a liferaft after the vessel experienced an engine failure. Commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members have recently faced attacks by US naval forces off the coast of Oman. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the US Charge d’Affaires to protest against these attacks, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and security of international maritime commerce.
India has expressed deep concerns over the use of lethal force against civilian shipping in the Gulf of Oman. The Ministry of External Affairs urged US authorities to take necessary measures to prevent further loss of civilian lives. This marks the second time the US Charge d’Affaires has been summoned by India over attacks on commercial vessels in the region. Recent incidents include the attack on ‘Settebello’, resulting in the tragic loss of three Indian seafarers.
