Indian Navy Rescues 9 Crew Members From Capsized Oil Tanker Off Oman, 1 Dead

The Indian Navy’s warship INS Teg successfully rescued nine crew members from the capsized oil tanker MV Prestige Falcon.

Eight of them were Indians, and one was from Sri Lanka.

On July 15, 2024, the Comoros-flagged tanker capsized about 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah.

Search and rescue (SAR) operations have been ongoing since the morning of July 16, 2024, in collaboration with Omani authorities.

The MV Prestige Falcon, a 117-meter oil product tanker, was en route to Yemen’s port of Aden with a crew of 13 Indians and three Sri Lankans.

The precise cause of the capsizing remains unknown.

The area has experienced rough seas and strong winds, which have complicated rescue efforts.

On July 17, 2024, Oman’s Maritime Security Centre announced that nine crew members were rescued, with one found dead.

The search for the remaining six crew members continues, with Indian and Omani forces deployed despite the harsh weather conditions.

The Indian Navy’s Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft P8I has been assisting with the search for survivors.

On July 15, 2024, around 22:00 local time (16:30 GMT), the Prestige Falcon sent a distress call near Duqm, Oman’s biggest industrial port.

The tanker, built in 2007, is still “submerged, inverted,” according to Omani officials, though its stability has yet to be determined.

The Omani officials have not stated whether the tanker’s cargo spilled into the sea.

The incident highlights the risks maritime employees encounter, especially those from India, who form a significant portion of the worldwide maritime workers.

In a related incident in April, Iranian authorities detained 17 Indians and other international crew members aboard the Portuguese-flagged container ship MSC Aries before releasing them the next month.

The Indian and Omani authorities remain committed to finding the remaining Prestige Falcon crew members.

Reference: Reuters, BBC

Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.