US sanctioned vessel catches fire, 24 Indian crew members evacuated

An unladen oil tanker, MT MARIVEX, carrying 24 Indian crew members, caught fire near Oman. All seafarers were safely evacuated with Omani assistance. Sources suggest the Palau-flagged vessel, blacklisted by the US OFAC, was attempting to evade a US blockade when it became disabled. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.