U.S. Forces Disable MT Marivex in Gulf of Oman, UKMTO Warning 064-26 Reports Fire and Crew Evacuation 15NM Northeast of Masirah

Gulf of Oman — U.S. Central Command reported that it has disabled the unladen Palau-flagged MT Marivex on June 8 after the vessel attempted to sail to an Iranian port in violation of the ongoing blockade against Iran.

An F/A-18 Super Hornet from the 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.

The British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued Warning 064-26 reporting that a tanker experienced a fire onboard 15NM northeast of Masirah, Oman, resulting in the evacuation of crew, with Omani and Indian authorities coordinating the response. Live cross reference checks confirm this is a single incident involving the MT Marivex.

Multiple sources, including Indian shipping ministry statements, identify the same Palau-flagged (also referenced as Madagascar-flagged in some accounts) vessel, the same date and approximate time (fire briefed around 1:30 pm local), the same 24 Indian seafarers (all added safe after evacuation), and a location consistent with the UKMTO position off Oman’s east coast in the Gulf of Oman approaches.

The UKMTO report described the effects as a fire leading to evacuation under suspicious activity; CENTCOM attributed the disablement to enforcement of the blockade. No environmental impact has been reported.

Incident Details

The MT Marivex was unladen and not carrying cargo at the time. UKMTO Warning 064-26, issued on June 8 stated, “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 15NM northeast of Masirah, Oman. A tanker has experienced a fire onboard resulting in the evacuation of crew. Omani and Indian Authorities are coordinating the response”.

“There are no reports of environmental impact at present. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO while authorities are investigating.”

CENTCOM stated that the vessel violated the blockade by attempting to transit to an Iranian port. After failing to comply with directions from U.S. forces, the precision munition was fired into engineering and steering spaces.

According to CENTCOM, the Marivex is no longer sailing to Iran and noted this as the seventh non-compliant vessel disabled since the blockade began on April 13, with 134 ships redirected and 42 humanitarian vessels allowed to pass.

Indian authorities stated that a fire was assessed on the MT Marivex with 24 Indian seafarers aboard. All were reported safe following evacuation coordinated with Omani authorities and the Indian Navy. The vessel’s position was assessed in waters off Oman’s east coast, south of the Strait of Hormuz.

Official Statements

• UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), June 8: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 15NM northeast of Masirah, Oman. A tanker has experienced a fire onboard resulting in the evacuation of crew. Omani and Indian Authorities are coordinating the response. There are no reports of environmental impact at present. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO while authorities are investigating.”

• U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), June 8: “U.S. forces disabled an unladen oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, June 8, after the vessel violated the ongoing blockade against Iran by attempting to sail to an Iranian port. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) disabled Palau-flagged M/T Marivex as it transited international waters in the Gulf of Oman toward Iran. 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 U.S. forces. Marivex is no longer sailing to Iran. CENTCOM forces have disabled seven non-compliant vessels, redirected 134 ships that complied, and allowed 42 vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass since initiating the blockade on April 13.”