The Indian-crewed tanker MT Jalveer suffered a massive engine room fire after being struck by two U.S. missiles off Shinas Port, Oman [1], [2].

The incident marks a significant escalation in maritime tensions, as it was the third attack on vessels with Indian crews within a single week [3]. Such strikes increase the risk to commercial shipping and the safety of international crews operating in the region.

Reports indicate that two Hellfire missiles were fired into the engine room of the tanker [3]. The strikes resulted in a massive fire that broke out within the vessel's machinery spaces [1], [2]. The MT Jalveer issued distress calls to the authorities at Shinas Port as the crew struggled to contain the blaze [1].

U.S. officials said they acknowledged the strike on the vessel [3]. This event follows a pattern of volatility in the waters off the coast of Oman, where commercial tankers have become targets of military action.

The MT Jalveer is part of a series of Indian-crewed ships targeted recently [3]. While the immediate cause of the missile launch is tied to U.S. military operations, the impact on the crew—who are Indian nationals—adds a layer of diplomatic complexity to the engagement [3].

Emergency responses were coordinated through Shinas Port to address the distress signals sent by the crew [1]. The extent of the structural damage to the tanker remains under assessment, though the fire in the engine room was described as massive [2].

“Two Hellfire missiles were fired into the engine room of the tanker.”

The targeting of the MT Jalveer highlights the precarious position of commercial shipping in contested waters. Because the vessel was operated by an Indian crew, these strikes may complicate diplomatic relations between the U.S. and India, while underscoring the vulnerability of non-combatant ships to high-precision military weaponry during regional conflicts.