Panic near Hormuz: Fire erupts on tanker carrying 24 Indians, Centre issues update

New Delhi: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on Monday confirmed a fire incident aboard MT Marivex, an oil tanker carrying 24 Indian seafarers near Oman and south of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

According to officials, the fire was reported at around 1:30 pm. The ministry said preliminary information indicates that all 24 Indian crew members on board are safe and accounted for.

The vessel was reportedly operating in ballast condition, meaning it was not carrying any cargo at the time of the incident.

Government launches coordinated response

Speaking during an inter-ministerial briefing on developments in West Asia, Shipping Division Director Opesh Kumar Sharma said authorities are working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire.

The ministry has initiated coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions, the Directorate General of Shipping, the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defence.

Officials are also in contact with the vessel's owners and Indian authorities in Oman to monitor the situation and ensure the continued safety of the crew.

Cause of fire still under investigation

Questions emerged after reports suggested the possibility that the vessel may have been struck by a projectile amid heightened tensions in the region.

However, Sharma said authorities have not yet verified whether the tanker was hit and are still gathering accurate information about the incident.

He emphasised that the vessel was located well south of the Strait of Hormuz when the fire occurred and was not positioned directly within the narrow maritime chokepoint.

Distress call prompted urgent response

Earlier, the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) had posted an urgent appeal on social media seeking assistance for the 24 Indian seafarers aboard a vessel off the coast of Oman.

The organisation tagged the Indian Navy, Ministry of External Affairs and other authorities, requesting immediate intervention. Following the appeal, the Embassy of India in Oman established direct contact with the crew members on board.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened security concerns in West Asia, where regional tensions have increased worries about maritime safety and commercial shipping routes.

Strait of Hormuz remains under close watch

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and energy shipments. Any incident in or around the region attracts international attention due to its potential impact on trade and energy markets.

The latest fire comes amid ongoing instability in West Asia, prompting increased monitoring of commercial vessels operating near the Gulf region.

Despite the incident, Indian authorities said port operations across the country remain normal, with no disruption to maritime traffic reported. The government also noted that it continues to assist Indian seafarers affected by developments in the region, facilitating repatriation efforts and maintaining emergency response mechanisms.