Arihant Vessel Reviews and Specifications

A group of 24 Indian crew members, who were recently rescued from the vessel 'Marivex', are set to return to India on June 12. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on June 11 that its mission in Oman is actively providing support to these seafarers. Their rescue came in the wake of an attack on their vessel on June 8. Furthermore, the Indian mission in Oman is coordinating with relevant authorities to expedite the repatriation of the remains of three Indian sailors who tragically lost their lives in a US attack on the Palau-flagged tanker, 'Settebello', on June 10. Following this incident, the MEA has registered a formal protest with the United States, emphasizing its concern regarding the airstrikes. The ministry continues to monitor the situation in the Gulf and West Asia, with a dedicated focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian expatriate community in the region.

In a recent development, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revealed that there was prior communication between the tanker 'Marivex' and the US Navy before a fire incident that left the vessel compromised off the coast of Oman. Thankfully, all 24 Indian crew members aboard were successfully rescued, with an MEA spokesperson expressing deep appreciation for the swift support of the Omani government in coordinating the rescue operations. The Indian Embassy promptly contacted Omani authorities to facilitate the evacuation and continued to liaise with the seafarers throughout the ordeal. Opesh Kumar Sharma, the Director of the Shipping Division, remained in communication with the vessel owners to establish the facts surrounding the incident, while also coordinating with the MEA and the Indian diplomatic mission in Oman for updates. For further details, you can check the following reports: [Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/hole-at-bottom-vessel-sinking-indian-crew-sends-sos-seeking-immediate-help-after-us-missile-hit-ship/articleshow/131625643.cms), [India Today](https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/please-help-quickly-ship-sinking-us-strike-tanker-indian-crew-near-oman-sparks-distress-call-centcom-iran-blockade-2924444-2026-06-10), and videos shared on [X](https://x.com/FSUIINDIA/status/2064567482858569938/video/1) and [X](https://x.com/FSUIINDIA/status/2064567482858569938/video/2).

On June 8, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the tanker vessel 'Marivex,' carrying 24 Indian crew members, encountered a harrowing incident while navigating the shipping corridor off Oman in the Arabian Sea (position 20°57.07' N, 59°08.13' E). The ship sustained damage from an explosive object that penetrated its engine room, precipitating a catastrophic situation aboard. As water surged into the engine room, the vessel lost propulsion and began to list dangerously. The explosion resulted in ruptured fuel lines, igniting a devastating blaze that quickly enveloped the upper decks in thick smoke, restricting access to lifeboats. Facing rapidly deteriorating conditions, the crew realized the fire's rapid progression made containment impossible. They sought alternative escape routes as the flames intensified. The Oman Coast Guard, along with regional naval forces, promptly launched a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation. Crew members were airlifted from the deck by helicopter after their lifeboat was rendered inoperable due to the flames. All crew members were successfully evacuated to safety at Dibba Port in Oman, where their essential travel and identification documents were safeguarded by local consular teams. The Shipping Division of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in India, led by Opesh Kumar Sharma, coordinated with various agencies, including the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Navy, to ensure the crew's well-being. This incident follows a similar attack on another Indian-flagged commercial vessel off Oman's coast on May 14, which the Ministry of External Affairs had condemned as 'unacceptable' without directly naming the responsible party. Subsequent investigations revealed that a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet operating from the USS 'Abraham Lincoln' had conducted a precision strike on the vessel’s engineering spaces after it failed to heed orders. The 'Marivex' was reportedly sailing under a false flag of Madagascar, having switched its registration from Palau earlier in February 2026. In recent days, the vessel attempted to evade U.S. naval forces multiple times, including deactivating its signal devices for stealth. For ongoing coverage and updates, including photos and videos of the incident, visit the following links: [Republic World](https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/24-indian-seafarers-desperate-sos-after-attack-near-strait-of-hormuz-2026-06-08-127396), [Daily Jagran](https://www.thedailyjagran.com/world/indian-vessel-fire-off-the-coast-of-oman-24-indians-aboard-safe-strait-of-hormuz-israel-iran-war-updates-10315531), [NDTV](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/video-helicopter-rescue-for-24-indians-from-ship-hit-by-missile-near-oman-11610413).

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has flagged the vessel ARIHANT (IMO: 9464156) due to abandonment concerns. This alarming report highlights critical issues affecting maritime workers and their well-being. Key Details: - **Flag**: Palau - **Port of Origin**: Mangalore, India - **Outstanding Wages**: 2 months unpaid - **Crew Size**: 25 seafarers - **Nationality of Crew**: All from India - **Date Reported to ITF**: January 5, 2026 - **Current Case Status**: Open This case is part of the ITF's dedicated efforts to monitor and address global instances of crew abandonment, ensuring that seafarers receive their rightful wages and humane treatment at sea. The organization maintains a comprehensive abandonment list to shed light on such urgent matters in the maritime industry.

The ‘Atlantic Voyager’ was successfully drydocked in Durban on January 11, 2019, at 8:40 a.m. This move was necessary following engine malfunctions the vessel experienced on December 31, 2018, while navigating at coordinates 029° 41' 46'' S, 016° 49' 43'' E. After undergoing essential repairs, the tanker, now known as 'Arihant', departed from Durban on February 20 at 2 p.m., setting sail towards Al Hamriyah with an estimated time of arrival on March 14.

On December 31, 2018, at 5 p.m., the tanker "Atlantic Voyager" found itself adrift off the South African coastline after encountering engine malfunctions. The vessel was on a journey from Walvis Bay Anchorage in Namibia when it reported being stranded at coordinates 029 41 46 S, 016 49 43 E. In response to the emergency, a tugboat was dispatched to provide assistance and secure the safety of the affected tanker.

The oil tanker 'Fair Artemis', which was seized by pirates off the coast of Ghana in June, has successfully arrived at Takoradi Port on August 8. This follows a harrowing ordeal in which the pirates managed to siphon 3,500 metric tonnes of crude oil from the ship, transferring it to another vessel before fleeing to Benin for sale. Fortunately, law enforcement in Benin apprehended the pirates. In a show of support for maritime security, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Director-General led a delegation to inspect the recovered vessel. This group included the Western Regional Minister, Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo, his deputy Mr. Alfred Ekow Gyan, and Captain James Owusu Koranteng, the Director of Takoradi Port, along with other port officials. The 'Fair Artemis' is currently secured at the breakwaters, marking a significant recovery in maritime safety efforts.