A Comoros-flagged oil tanker has capsized off the coast of Oman, leaving all 16 crew members missing, according to Oman’s maritime security centre. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has prompted an international search and rescue operation.
The vessel, identified as the “Prestige Falcon,” was carrying a crew of 13 Indian nationals and three Sri Lankans when it overturned approximately 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, near the port of Duqm. The 117-meter long oil products tanker, built in 2007, was en route to the Yemeni port of Aden at the time of the incident.
Omani authorities launched immediate search and rescue efforts, coordinating with maritime authorities in the region. The Indian Navy has also joined the operation, deploying the warship INS Tej and a P-8I surveillance aircraft to assist in the search, according to Navy sources.
As of Tuesday, the maritime security centre reported that the vessel remains “submerged and inverted.” Officials have not yet confirmed whether the tanker has stabilized or if there is any oil leakage into the sea.
The incident occurred near Duqm, a major industrial port that is home to significant oil and gas projects, including a large oil refinery that forms part of Oman’s biggest economic development zone.
This event has raised concerns about maritime safety in the region and the potential environmental impact if oil spillage occurs. Authorities are working diligently to locate the missing crew members and assess the situation of the capsized vessel.