Oil Tanker Crew Evacuated After Fire Off Omani Coast

The British Maritime Trade Operations announced on Monday that a fire erupted aboard an oil tanker, leading to the evacuation of its crew. The incident occurred approximately 15 nautical miles northeast of Masirah Island, Oman.

In a statement reported by Reuters, the authority confirmed that there have been no reports of environmental damage linked to the fire so far.

India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways also reported on Monday that it had received notification of a fire aboard the oil tanker Marifex, which was sailing off the coast of Oman. The vessel carried 24 Indian sailors, all of whom are reported to be safe.

Obish Kumar Sharma, a director at the ministry, told a press conference covered by AFP that the tanker, registered under the flag of Madagascar, was not carrying any cargo at the time of the fire.

He added that coordination efforts are underway with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions abroad, the Indian Navy, and the Ministry of Defence to ensure the crew’s safety.

The cause of the fire, which broke out at 1:30 p.m. local time, remains undetermined.

The Indian embassy posted on X that New Delhi is in contact with Omani authorities to assist in rescuing the sailors and securing their wellbeing.