The United States military has confirmed that it struck an oil tanker carrying 24 Indian crew members in the Gulf of Oman. US officials said the vessel was heading toward an Iranian port despite an ongoing naval blockade against Iran.
The tanker, MT Marivex, sailed under the Palau flag. It was operating near the strategic Strait of Hormuz when a projectile hit it off the Omani coast. A fire broke out on board, prompting authorities to evacuate the crew as a precaution.
The vessel later sent an SOS signal. The Indian Navy responded quickly and rescued all 24 Indian sailors using helicopters. No casualties were reported. The incident took place amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes.
US Says Vessel Violated Naval Blockade
In a statement, the United States Central Command said it disabled the tanker after it allegedly violated the blockade by attempting to enter an Iranian port.
“An F/A-18 Super Hornet from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fired a precision munition into the ship’s engineering and steering spaces after the crew failed to comply with directions from US forces. Marivex is no longer sailing to Iran," it said.
CENTCOM said it launched the blockade on April 13. Since then, it has disabled seven vessels that failed to follow instructions. It also redirected 134 ships that complied with its orders and allowed 42 humanitarian aid vessels to pass.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 8, 2026
India Confirms Rescue of Crew
India's Ministry of External Affairs said it coordinated closely with Omani authorities after the incident. “We also understand that there was some exchange of communication between the ship and the US Navy before the incident," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
“There were 24 crew members onboard the ship, all being Indian nationals. All of them have been rescued. Our Embassy coordinated with the Omani authorities for their rescue. We thank the Oman government for their support in rescuing the crew and ensuring their safety," he added.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Flashpoint
The incident highlights growing tensions in the region. According to the report, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict involving the United States and Israel began on February 28.
The disruption has pushed up global energy prices and affected oil markets worldwide. Meanwhile, the United States continues to enforce a blockade around Iranian ports. Washington says the move aims to pressure Tehran into reopening the vital waterway.
The strike on MT Marivex underscores the risks facing commercial ships operating in one of the world's busiest and most important maritime routes.