MUSCAT : All 14 Indian crew members aboard the Indian-flagged mechanised sailing vessel (MSV) Virat 1 have been rescued after the vessel sank off the coast of Oman, Indian authorities said on Sunday.
The Embassy of India in Muscat confirmed that the rescue operation had been successfully completed and that all crew members were safe and in good health.
“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 embassy said in a statement posted on X.
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The vessel encountered difficulties approximately 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd on June 14. According to Indian authorities, the dhow suffered a mechanical failure that left it stranded at sea before it eventually sank.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) said all 14 Indian seafarers had been safely accounted for following the incident, crediting the successful operation to close coordination between Omani authorities, the Indian Embassy in Oman and maritime stakeholders involved in the rescue effort.
Earlier, the embassy had reported that 11 crew members had been rescued and taken aboard the vessel Jabal Ali 9, while search and rescue operations continued for the remaining seafarers.
Officials said the crew had safely transferred to a liferaft after the vessel experienced engine failure. Rescue efforts were coordinated by Omani authorities with assistance from vessels operating in the vicinity.
Sources said the distress situation came to light after the vessel reported being in danger at sea, prompting emergency response measures. The US Navy subsequently alerted shore authorities, helping initiate the rescue operation.
The DGS said it continues to monitor the situation and reiterated its commitment to the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers operating worldwide.
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