Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the remaining crew members of the oil tanker Prestige Falcon, which capsized 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, near the port town of Duqm in Oman.

The Oman Maritime Security Centre is leading the search efforts. The Vessel’s crew consisted of 13 Indian nationals and 3 Sri Lankans. So far, 10 crew members have been located, with 9 found alive and one tragically deceased. Among the nine found alive were eight Indians and one Srilankan. The search continues for the remaining 6 crew members.

The Indian Navy has played a crucial role in the rescue operations. INS Teg, a Talwar-class frigate, was redirected on July 15 to assist in the search and rescue mission. The warship located the capsizing oil tanker on the morning of July 16. India has also deployed a Boeing P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft to aid in the search efforts.

Survivors were found in a life raft, having abandoned the ship when it dangerously listed. The cause of the capsizing remains unknown, with rough seas complicating rescue efforts. Search is ongoing. INS Teg disembarked 9 survivors and mortal remains of one crew member last night at Duqm.

This incident also highlights the importance of maritime cooperation in the region. In September 2021, the Indian Navy and Royal Oman Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the exchange of White Shipping Information, aimed at enhancing maritime safety and security. The Comoros-flagged Prestige Falcon, a 117-meter-long oil products tanker built in 2007, was en route to the Yemeni port of Aden when the incident occurred.

Vinod Kumar, Dubai