All 14 Indian crew members rescued after vessel suffers engine failure off Oman coast

The vessel, MSC Virat 1, encountered difficulties at sea after experiencing an engine failure, prompting a search-and-rescue operation coordinated by Omani authorities and nearby vessels, the embassy said.

In an update posted on X, the embassy said, '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.'

Earlier, the embassy said all 14 crew members had safely transferred to a liferaft after the vessel lost power.

"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 the vicinity of the incident," the embassy said in an earlier statement.

It later confirmed that the vessel had suffered an engine failure and that the crew had abandoned the vessel for a liferaft while awaiting assistance.

The incident comes amid heightened attention to the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers operating in the Middle East and nearby waters.

Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said necessary arrangements had been made for the repatriation of the mortal remains of Indian national Nishanth Uirthanathan, who died aboard the vessel MT Celestial due to medical conditions.