New Delhi: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on Monday confirmed a fire incident aboard MT Marivex, a vessel carrying 24 Indian seafarers, south of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that all crew members are presently safe.
Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Director in the Shipping Division, Opesh Kumar Sharma, said the fire was reported at around 1:30 pm today.
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"This is the preliminary information which we have received. Based on this, as per available information, all Indian seafarers are presently safe," Sharma said.
He said the Ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence to ensure the safety of the seafarers.
"We are in touch with the owners, and we are trying to ascertain the facts. We are also in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and our mission in Oman," he added.
On whether the ship was hit by a projectile, Sharma said, "So whether the ship was hit by a projectile or not, presently we are trying to get absolute information. As you are aware, the fire incident was at 1:30 today."
"The vessel was well out of the Strait of Hormuz and well clear to the south," he added
