The Indian Navy’s warship, INS Teg, has successfully rescued nine crew members from an oil tanker that capsized off the coast of Oman. Out of the 16 crew members who went missing, eight are Indians and one is from Sri Lanka.
The oil tanker, MT Falcon Prestige, which is registered under the Comoros flag, capsized 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, close to the port town of Duqm in Oman. Among the 16 crew members, three were Sri Lankan nationals.
The rescue operations are taking place under difficult weather conditions, with rough seas and strong winds making the task more challenging. To aid the search for more survivors, the Indian Navy has deployed its Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft, the P8I.
A Comoros flagged oil tanker capsized 25 NM southeast of Ras Madrakah. SAR Ops initiated with the relevant authorities. #MaritimeSecurityCentre
— مركز الأمن البحري| MARITIME SECURITY CENTRE (@OMAN_MSC) July 15, 2024
Duqm, where the incident occurred, is located on Oman’s southwest coast and is a significant hub for the Sultanate’s oil and gas projects. It hosts a major oil refinery and forms part of Oman’s largest industrial zone, making it a crucial economic area.
According to the shipping website marinetraffic.com, the oil tanker was on the way to the Yemeni port city of Aden. The vessel, which is 117 meters long and was built in 2007, transmitted a distress call around 10 pm on July 15.
The Indian Embassy has stated that it is in continuous communication with the Omani authorities. The search and rescue operation is being coordinated by the Oman Maritime Security Centre, with the Indian Navy playing a significant role in the efforts.
The Indian Navy’s quick response and ongoing search efforts highlight the importance of international cooperation in maritime safety and rescue missions. The challenging weather conditions underscore the bravery and determination of the rescue teams involved.
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