All 20 Indian crew of MT Jalveer return home after rescue off Oman coast

All 20 Indian crew members of MT Jalveer, the tanker involved in an incident off the coast of Oman earlier this month, have safely returned to India following a rescue and evacuation operation coordinated by Indian and Omani authorities.

In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said that Ambassador of India to Oman met the rescued sailors before their repatriation and wished them a safe journey home.

The embassy said that the crew had been safely evacuated ashore in coordination with Omani authorities after the incident involving the vessel on June 11.

“The rescued Indian crew members of MT Jalveer expressed their gratitude to the Embassy of India, Muscat and the authorities of the Sultanate of Oman for their prompt response and timely rescue,” the mission said, adding that all 20 sailors had now safely returned home.

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US attacked vessel

The embassy had earlier confirmed that MT Jalveer was involved in an incident off the Omani coast and that Indian sailors were being evacuated with the assistance of the Omani Navy.

At the time, officials did not disclose the exact nature of the incident. However, visuals circulating online showed the vessel engulfed in flames, with thick smoke rising from the ship.

Subsequently, the US military's Central Command (Centcom) published a statement defending attacks on three vessels in the region that had sparked strong reactions from India. According to the US military, MT Jalveer, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker, was struck by two Hellfire missiles during operations on June 11.

The attack on MT Jalveer was the third incident involving Indian-crewed ships in the Gulf of Oman within four days. All 20 Indian crew members onboard the vessel were rescued following the strike.

MEA condemned attack

The developments prompted a sharp response from New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs said that it had conveyed its deep concerns over the use of lethal force against civilian shipping.

The ministry stressed that attacks on commercial vessels undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce.

The Indian Embassy in Oman said that it remains committed to extending assistance to Indian nationals in distress and ensuring their welfare and safe return home.