Mechanised sailing vessel experiences engine failure off coast of Oman

A mechanised sailing vessel has experienced an engine failure off the coast of Oman, and the crew eventually transferred safely to a liferaft, as per an Indian embassy post on X. Rescue operation is presently underway through ships in vicinity, under coordination of Omani authorities, the post said.

Virat was sailing off the coast of Oman, reportedly with 14 Indian crew.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region.

Often based in Mumbai and Mandvi, Indian Mechanised Sailing Vessels are smaller craft and carry limited supplies typically perishable, food items to the Persian Gulf countries. Virat 1 was reported to be 50m in length and 12m in breadth.