Published Jun 14, 2026 | 4:42 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 14, 2026 | 4:42 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
The Indian Embassy in Muscat has confirmed that all 14 Indian crew members aboard the Indian-flagged mechanised sailing vessel Virat 1 (also referred to as MSV Virat 1) are safe following a maritime incident off the coast of Oman.
According to the Embassy, the vessel experienced a critical engine failure approximately 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd, leading the crew to abandon ship and transfer safely into a liferaft as the dhow began to sink.
Search and Rescue (SAR) operations were promptly coordinated with Omani authorities and vessels in the vicinity.
Reports indicate that a US Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft played a key role in coordinating the rescue, alerting nearby ships and directing the merchant vessel MV Jabal Ali 9 to assist in picking up the crew.
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 vicinity of the incident.
— India in Oman (Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) June 14, 2026
Omani authorities oversaw the operation, with Indian warships also en route to the area. No injuries were reported among the crew.
The Embassy issued an initial alert on social media, stating it had learned of the incident involving the Indian-flagged vessel with 14 Indian nationals on board.
A follow-up update confirmed the engine failure and that the crew was safe in the liferaft, with rescue efforts underway.
This incident comes amid heightened maritime activity in the Gulf of Oman region but appears unrelated to recent attacks on other vessels in the area.
Indian officials and the Embassy continue to monitor the situation closely and are providing support to the rescued crew members.
