Oil Tanker Capsizes Off Oman Coast: 16 Crew Members Missing

A Comoros-flagged oil tanker, the “Prestige Falcon,” with a 16-member crew, capsized off the coast of Oman, and all crew members are still missing, as reported by the country’s maritime security center. The crew consisted of 13 Indian citizens and three from Sri Lanka. The center confirmed that the ship is underwater and on the seabed but did not provide information on the stabilization of its position or potential oil leaks into the sea. The tanker was en route to the Yemeni port of Aden before capsizing near Oman’s main industrial port of Duqm.

The 117-meter-long oil tanker was built in 2007 and typically used for short coastal voyages. Omani authorities, in collaboration with maritime authorities, conducted a search and rescue operation at the site where the incident occurred. The Port of Duqm, situated on Oman’s southwest coast, is in close proximity to major oil and gas production projects, including a significant oil refinery as part of the vast Duqm Industrial Zone, Oman’s largest economic project.

The situation remains urgent as efforts continue to locate the missing crew members and assess potential environmental risks from the capsized tanker. The incident underscores the dangers faced by maritime crews and the importance of safety and rescue operations in the shipping industry. Ongoing updates and coordination between authorities are essential to address the aftermath and prevent further consequences.

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