14 Indian Seafarers Rescued After Vessel Sinks Off Oman Coast

The first photograph of the 14 seafarers rescued from the India-flagged vessel MSV Virat 1 shows all 14 crew members safe after it sank off the coast of Oman on Sunday.

The crew was evacuated from the ship that sank after it began taking on water approximately 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd, Oman.

14 Indians aboard MSV Virat 1 successfully rescued, crew heads to Mumbai

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) also confirmed the operation that was carried out in coordination with Omani authorities.

In their statement the DGS wrote, "The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) confirms that all 14 Indian seafarers aboard MSV VIRAT-1 have been safely accounted for following the vessel's sinking approximately 80 nautical miles off Ras Al Hadd, Oman. Swift emergency response procedures, continuous coordination with Omani authorities, the Embassy of India in Oman, and maritime stakeholders ensured the safety of the crew. DGS remains committed to the safety, security, and welfare of Indian seafarers and continues to monitor the situation closely."

The rescue operation was launched after Virat 1 suffered an engine failure while sailing off the Omani coast. The mechanical problem reportedly left the vessel disabled before it started taking on water and eventually sank.

According to officials, the crew abandoned the vessel and transferred to a life raft as the situation deteriorated.

The Indian Embassy in Muscat earlier said it had been informed of the incident and was working with Omani authorities overseeing the search and rescue effort.

"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," the embassy said.

In a subsequent update, the embassy confirmed that the vessel had experienced engine failure and that the crew had safely moved to a life raft while rescue efforts continued.

"It has emerged that the vessel experienced an engine failure, and the crew eventually transferred safely to a life raft. Rescue operation is presently underway through ships in vicinity, under coordination of Omani authorities," it said.

The operation received support from the US Navy after it was alerted to the distress situation. A US Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft was dispatched to the area, where it dropped a life raft and monitored the evacuation process.

Assistance was also provided by MV Jabal Ali 9, a merchant vessel sailing nearby under the flag of St Kitts and Nevis, which helped in the rescue effort under the coordination of Omani authorities.

The emergence of the first photographs of the rescued crew marks the latest development in the incident, which ended without loss of life despite the sinking of the vessel.