13 Indians missing as oil tanker capsizes off Oman coast

A Comoros-flagged oil tanker has capsized off the coast of Oman, leaving all 16 crew members missing, including 13 Indian nationals and three Sri Lankans, according to Oman’s maritime security centre. The incident was reported on Tuesday, a day after the vessel sank. The ship, named ‘Prestige Falcon’, remains submerged and inverted in the waters near Oman’s industrial port of Duqm. Authorities have not confirmed whether the vessel has stabilized or if there are any oil leaks. 

Updates regarding the recent capsizing incident of the Comoros flagged oil tanker southeast of Ras Madrakah pic.twitter.com/PxVLxlTQGD

— مركز الأمن البحري| MARITIME SECURITY CENTRE (@OMAN_MSC) July 16, 2024

The 117-meter-long oil products tanker, built in 2007, was en route to the Yemeni port of Aden when the incident occurred. Such smaller tankers are typically used for short coastal voyages. Omani authorities have launched a search-and-rescue operation in coordination with maritime authorities. As of now, no survivors have been found. The ship overturned 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, close to the port of Duqm in Oman. The port of Duqm, located on Oman’s southwest coast, is situated near major oil and gas projects, including a significant oil refinery that is part of Duqm’s extensive industrial zone- Oman’s largest single economic project.