14 Indian Sailors Rescued After Dhow Sinks Off Oman; US Aircraft Airdrops Lifesaving Raft

June 14, 2026

Muscat:   A major maritime rescue operation was launched in the Arabian Sea on Sunday after an Indian-crewed dhow, MSV Virat 1, began sinking approximately 80 nautical miles off Ras Al Hadd in Oman. A US Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft responded swiftly to the distress situation, dropping a life raft near the vessel and maintaining aerial surveillance as the crew evacuated the sinking dhow.

The aircraft reportedly monitored the entire operation and confirmed that all 14 sailors safely boarded the raft.

According to inputs received from the United States Navy, citing sources, all 14 Indian crew members aboard the vessel successfully abandoned ship and embarked on a life raft after the emergency unfolded at sea.

Following the distress alert, ships of the Indian Navy were immediately diverted toward the location to assist in the rescue effort. Meanwhile, merchant vessel MV Jabal Ali 9, sailing under the St. Kitts and Nevis flag, also altered course and is proceeding toward the scene.

Inputs received from MV Jabal Ali 9 indicate that all 14 Indian nationals are safe and accounted for on the life raft as rescue assets converge on the area.