Oil Tanker with 13 Indians on Board Sinks off Oman Coast

A Comoros-flagged oil tanker, Prestige Falcon, tragically capsized off the coast of Oman, leaving 13 Indian and 3 Sri Lankan crew members in peril. The incident, which occurred 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, near the port of Duqm, has prompted an extensive search and rescue operation.

The Omani Maritime Security Centre was quick to respond, coordinating with relevant authorities to initiate the search and rescue efforts. In a statement posted on social media platform X, they confirmed the tanker’s location and the commencement of operations. The Prestige Falcon, a 117-meter-long vessel built in 2007, was on its way to the Yemeni port of Aden when disaster struck.

According to shipping data from LSEG, the Prestige Falcon was primarily used for short voyages, transporting oil products across regional waters. Its unfortunate capsizing adds to a series of recent maritime incidents involving vessels under the Comoros flag.

The conditions leading to the capsizing are still under investigation, but the focus remains on the welfare of the crew members. The swift response from the Omani authorities reflects the urgency and seriousness of the situation, as search and rescue operations continue in the hopes of locating and aiding the missing crew.

This incident follows a similar tragedy on November 27, when the Comoros-flagged cargo ship Raptor sank off the coast of Lesbos island in Greece due to high-speed winds. That ship, carrying a load of salt from Dekheila, Egypt to Istanbul, had 14 crew members onboard, including several Indians.

The maritime community remains on high alert as these back-to-back incidents highlight the perils faced by seafarers and the need for stringent safety measures. Families of the crew members aboard the Prestige Falcon are anxiously awaiting news, hoping for a positive outcome from the ongoing rescue efforts.

As the investigation into the cause of the capsizing continues, the global maritime industry will be looking closely at the findings to implement better safety protocols and prevent such tragedies in the future.

The loss of the Prestige Falcon not only underscores the dangers of maritime navigation but also the resilience and courage of those who brave the seas. The international community's thoughts are with the crew members and their families during this challenging time.