The first photograph of the 14 seafarers rescued from the India-flagged vessel MSV Virat 1 has been released, showing all crew members safe after the ship sank off the coast of Oman on Sunday. The crew was evacuated from the vessel after it began taking on water approximately 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd, Oman.
Rescue Operation Confirmed by Directorate General of Shipping
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) confirmed the operation, which was carried out in coordination with Omani authorities. In a statement, the DGS said, "The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) confirms that all 14 Indian seafarers aboard MSV VIRAT-1 have been safely accounted for following the vessel's sinking approximately 80 nautical miles off Ras Al Hadd, Oman. Swift emergency response procedures, continuous coordination with Omani authorities, the Embassy of India in Oman, and maritime stakeholders ensured the safety of the crew. DGS remains committed to the safety, security, and welfare of Indian seafarers and continues to monitor the situation closely."
Engine Failure Leads to Sinking
The rescue operation was launched after MSV Virat 1 suffered an engine failure while sailing off the Omani coast. The mechanical problem left the vessel disabled before it began taking on water and eventually sank. According to officials, the crew abandoned the vessel and transferred to a life raft as the situation deteriorated.
Indian Embassy Coordinates with Omani Authorities
The Indian Embassy in Muscat earlier stated that it had been informed of the incident and was working with Omani authorities overseeing the search and rescue effort. "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," the embassy said. In a subsequent update, the embassy confirmed that the vessel had experienced engine failure and that the crew had safely moved to a life raft while rescue efforts continued. "It has emerged that the vessel experienced an engine failure, and the crew eventually transferred safely to a life raft. Rescue operation is presently underway through ships in vicinity, under coordination of Omani authorities," it said.
US Navy and Merchant Vessel Provide Assistance
The operation received support from the US Navy after it was alerted to the distress situation. A US Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft was dispatched to the area, where it dropped a life raft and monitored the evacuation process. Assistance was also provided by MV Jabal Ali 9, a merchant vessel sailing nearby under the flag of St Kitts and Nevis, which helped in the rescue effort under the coordination of Omani authorities.
Incident Ends Without Loss of Life
The emergence of the first photographs of the rescued crew marks the latest development in the incident, which ended without loss of life despite the sinking of the vessel. The 14 Indian seafarers are now safe and heading to Mumbai.
