GULF OF OMAN — U.S. Central Command forces disabled the MT Marivex tanker in the Gulf of Oman on June 8, 2026, after it caught fire. The vessel was attempting to sail to an Iranian port, violating an ongoing blockade, and all 24 Indian crew members were safely evacuated.
The incident occurred off the coast of Oman at approximately 13:30 local time. "An F/A-18 Super Hornet from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fired a precision munition into the ship's engineering and steering spaces after the crew failed to comply with directions from US forces," Central Command said in a statement.
The tanker, which had been sanctioned by U.S. authorities in December 2025 for alleged links to Iran, was unladen and in ballast condition during the incident. "Marivex is no longer sailing to Iran," Central Command said in a statement. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai coordinated with Omani maritime authorities during the rescue operation.
The rescued crew members were transported to Masirah Island in Oman. Opesh Kumar Sharma, director at India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed the crew's safety. "The vessel has 24 Indian seafarers on board, all of whom are reported to be safe," Sharma said. The Indian Embassy in Muscat expressed gratitude to Omani authorities for their help. "We are thankful to the Omani authorities for their swift response and rescue of all the 24 crew members of Indian nationality onboard MT Marivex, and ensuring their safety," the Indian Embassy in Muscat said. The MT Marivex was en route from Karwar, India, to Duqm, Oman, and the incident took place south of the Strait of Hormuz.