New Delhi/Muscat: An oil tanker caught fire off the coast of Oman on Monday, triggering concerns over maritime safety amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz region. All 24 Indian sailors onboard the vessel have been reported safe.
According to India’s Ministry of Shipping, the Madagascar-flagged oil tanker MT Marivex caught fire at around 1:30 PM local time. Initial reports indicate that the vessel was empty at the time of the incident and was not carrying any cargo.
Officials confirmed that all 24 Indian crew members onboard are safe and no injuries have been reported. Following the incident, emergency protocols were activated, and coordination is underway with the Indian Navy, Ministry of External Affairs, and other relevant agencies.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Investigators are examining whether the incident was caused by a technical fault or any external factors.
The incident comes at a time when maritime routes in and around the Strait of Hormuz remain tense due to geopolitical developments. In recent months, several security-related incidents in the region have raised concerns over global energy supply chains and shipping safety.
At present, authorities have stated that the situation is under control, and the safety of all Indian sailors has been ensured.