A boat carrying 14 Indian nationals started sinking in the sea off the coast of Oman on Sunday, following which a massive rescue operation was launched with the help of the US Navy, the Indian Navy and a merchant ship. According to initial information, the boat got into trouble about 80 nautical miles east of Ras Al Hadd in Oman, after which immediate relief and rescue operations were started.

US Navy sent alert, informed Indian Navy
According to government sources, the US Navy was informed that Dhow was in trouble on Sunday morning. After this, the US Navy issued an alert to the coastal authorities and the Indian Navy, so that the rescue operation could be started in time.

P-8 aircraft dropped life raft into the sea
According to sources, the US Navy’s P-8 maritime surveillance aircraft reached the spot, dropped a life raft into the sea and monitored the entire rescue operation. After the situation of sinking of the dhow developed, the people on board reached the life raft.

Merchant ship MV Jabal Ali 9 also helped
MV Jabal Ali 9, a St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged merchant ship passing nearby, was also included in the rescue operation. This ship was going from Sohar to Mumbai. At the request of American P-8 aircraft, the ship was sent towards the distressed boat so that the passengers could be helped.

The Mission has learned of an incident involving an Indian Flagged Mechanized Sailing Vessel Virat 1, off the coast of Oman, reportedly embarked with 14 Indian crew. Search and Rescue is being coordinated with the Omani authorities and vessels in proximity of the incident: Embassy… pic.twitter.com/Us61cBuUVw

— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2026

All 14 people aboard the boat are Indian citizens.
Government officials said that all the 14 people aboard the dhow are Indian citizens. At present, official information regarding his condition has not been revealed, but the rescue operation is being continuously monitored.

Strategic importance increased near the Strait of Hormuz
The incident occurred near the eastern coast of Oman, which is located near the Strait of Hormuz. In recent months, due to US-Iran tension and increasing conflict in West Asia, this area has become very sensitive and strategically important.

Maritime traffic already affected
Due to the ongoing tension in the region, the movement of commercial ships is already affected. Many shipping companies and maritime agencies are taking extra precautions. According to reports, hundreds of ships and thousands of sailors are facing prolonged disruption in maritime activities around the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz.

The reason for the boat sinking is not clear yet
At present the reasons for Dhau’s sinking have not been known. Officials say that the rescue operation is going on and the entire matter is being investigated. It is hoped that soon all the Indian citizens will be evacuated safely.