Jun 14, 2026

U.S. Navy Rescues 14 Indian Mariners in Arabian Sea

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in world

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Northern Arabian Sea – June 14, 2026 — U.S. naval forces operating in the Middle East assisted in the successful rescue of 14 Indian mariners whose vessel began sinking in the Northern Arabian Sea on Sunday.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), the incident began in the early hours when a distress call was received from the crew of the Indian-flagged or Indian-crewed dhow, identified in reports as MSV Virat 1.

The vessel suffered mechanical failure and was taking on water approximately 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd, Oman.

A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft was the first to arrive on scene. It dropped a search-and-rescue kit, including a life raft, which the 14 crew members boarded.

The nearby merchant vessel MV Jabal Ali 9 responded and successfully recovered 11 mariners from the raft.

However, the life raft carrying the remaining three crew capsized amid rough seas.

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln then rescued the three mariners and transferred them safely to the Jabal Ali 9. All 14 Indian crew members were reported to be in good health and spirits.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Michael Murphy also responded to the distress call as part of the coordinated effort.

The rescue comes just days after a series of deadly incidents in the same region that have strained India-U.S. relations.

On June 10, a U.S. strike on the tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman killed three Indian sailors after the vessel allegedly failed to comply with directions amid enforcement of sanctions related to Iranian oil exports.

India summoned the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi and lodged formal protests over the attacks on vessels carrying Indian crew.

Public reaction in India and on social media has been sharply divided. While some welcomed the U.S. assistance in Sunday’s rescue, many others expressed anger and viewed the operation with suspicion, citing the recent deaths and questioning U.S. actions in the region.

CENTCOM described the Sunday operation as a successful multinational effort involving U.S. assets, a commercial vessel, and coordination with other maritime authorities.

Indian Navy ships were also diverted to the area in support.

The U.S. 5th Fleet operates across a vast area that includes critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz. The command has been actively involved in maritime security operations amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

No injuries were reported among the rescued Indian mariners, and they are expected to continue their journey or be repatriated following medical checks.

The incident highlights both the risks faced by seafarers in the region and the complex diplomatic dynamics surrounding recent maritime enforcement actions.