The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on Monday confirmed a fire incident aboard MT Marivex, an oil tanker carrying 24 Indian seafarers, south of the Strait of Hormuz, while assuring that all crew members are safe.

Speaking during an inter-ministerial briefing on developments in West Asia, Director in the Shipping Division, Opesh Kumar Sharma, said preliminary information received by the government indicated that the fire broke out at around 1:30 pm.

“This is the preliminary information which we have received. Based on this, as per available information, all Indian seafarers are presently safe,” Sharma said.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the West Asia region, prompting authorities to closely monitor maritime security and the safety of Indian nationals working at sea.

Government Coordinates With Missions And Navy

Sharma said the Shipping Ministry is working in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defence to ensure the safety of the crew and assess the situation.

“We are in touch with the owners, and we are trying to ascertain the facts. We are also in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and our mission in Oman,” he said.

Responding to questions on whether the vessel may have been struck by a projectile, Sharma said authorities were still gathering verified information.

“So whether the ship was hit by a projectile or not, presently we are trying to get absolute information. As you are aware, the fire incident was at 1:30 today,” he stated.

He further clarified that the vessel was operating well away from the strategic chokepoint where regional tensions have heightened concerns over commercial shipping.

“The vessel was well out of the Strait of Hormuz and well clear to the south,” Sharma added.

According to the ministry, MT Marivex was sailing in ballast condition and was not carrying any cargo at the time of the incident. The vessel’s crew comprised only Indian seafarers.

Distress Call Triggered Swift Response

Earlier in the day, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) posted on social media seeking urgent assistance for the vessel off the coast of Oman.

The union stated that the 24 Indian seafarers on board required immediate help and shared the vessel’s coordinates.

Soon after, the Embassy of India in Oman responded publicly, confirming that it had established contact with those on board.

“It is informed that embassy has established contact,” the mission said.

The confirmation provided reassurance to the families of the crew members as authorities continued to monitor developments.

DG Shipping Handles Thousands Of Queries

The Shipping Ministry also highlighted the extensive support mechanism activated for Indian seafarers amid the ongoing regional tensions.

Sharma said the Directorate General of Shipping control room has processed around 12,020 calls and over 26,832 emails since its activation.

“In the last 96 hours, a total of 390 calls and 968 emails have been received from seafarers, their families and maritime stakeholders,” he said.

The ministry has so far facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 3,506 Indian seafarers, including 32 during the past four days.

Despite concerns over shipping routes in the region, Sharma said Indian port operations continue to function normally.

“Port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported,” he said.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire aboard MT Marivex while maintaining communication with the vessel, its owners and relevant agencies to ensure the safety of the crew and the security of maritime operations in the region.

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