MUSCAT, Oman, June 14: The Indian Embassy in Oman on Sunday announced that all 14 crew members aboard the Indian-flagged MSV Virat 1 have been successfully rescued and are safe and in good health.
The embassy said the crew members are currently aboard MV Jabal Ali 9 and are heading to Mumbai.
In a post on X, the embassy said, “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 that all 14 Indian seafarers aboard MSV Virat 1 had been safely accounted for following the vessel’s sinking approximately 80 nautical miles off Ras Al Hadd, Oman.
According to the DGS, swift emergency response procedures and continuous coordination with Omani authorities, the Embassy of India in Oman, and maritime stakeholders ensured the safety of the crew.
The DGS said it remains committed to the safety, security, and welfare of Indian seafarers and continues to monitor the situation closely.
Sources said the Indian-flagged dhow sank because of a mechanical failure.
“In a closely coordinated and ongoing rescue operation at sea, 11 of the 14 crew members of MSV Virat 1 were rescued and taken onboard by MV Jabal Ali 9. The rescue operation of the remaining members was completed shortly thereafter. It has emerged that the vessel experienced an engine failure, and the crew eventually transferred safely to a life raft. Rescue operations were coordinated through ships in the vicinity under the supervision of Omani authorities,” the Indian Embassy in Oman said.
The embassy had earlier stated that it had learned of an incident involving the Indian-flagged mechanized sailing vessel MSV Virat 1 off the coast of Oman and that search and rescue efforts were being coordinated with Omani authorities and nearby vessels.
The distress situation unfolded approximately 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd, Oman, on the morning of June 14.
Upon receiving information that the vessel was in danger, the U.S. Navy alerted shore authorities to launch an emergency response, according to sources.
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