At least nine sailors, consisting of eight Indian nationals and one Sri Lankan citizen, have been saved from the crew of the Comoros-flagged ship MT Falcon Prestige, which overturned on July 14, 2024, near Oman’s coastline, according to individuals familiar with the situation.
The merchant ship had a total crew of 16 members, with 13 being Indian nationals. Information regarding the status of the remaining Indian crew members is not yet available.
“Embassy is coordinating SAR ops with Omani authorities and @indiannavy for MT Prestige Falcon, a Comoros flagged vessel that capsized off the coast of Oman on July 15th. 9 crew including 8 Indians have been rescued today by INS Teg. Search for the remaining survivors continues,” the Indian Embassy in Oman posted on X.
Embassy is coordinating SAR ops with Omani authorities and @indiannavy for MT Prestige Falcon, a Comoros flagged vessel that capsized off the coast of Oman on July 15th.
9 crew including 8 Indians have been rescued today by INS Teg. Search for the remaining survivors continues.
— India in Oman (Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) July 17, 2024
The vessel issued a distress signal around 10 pm on July 14 off the coast of Oman, specifically capsizing 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, near the Omani port of Duqm. The 117-meter-long oil products tanker, built in 2007 according to LSEG data accessed by PTI, was en route to the Yemeni port of Aden.
According to an ANI report, the Indian Navy’s warship INS Teg, supported by the maritime surveillance aircraft P-8I and Omani vessels and personnel, conducted search and rescue operations.
INS Teg, which was already in the area for operational activities, was redirected on July 15 to participate in the rescue efforts and successfully located the tanker on July 16.
“A Comoros-flagged oil tanker capsized 25 NM southeast of Ras Madrakah. SAR Ops initiated with the relevant authorities. #MaritimeSecurityCentre,” the Maritime Security Centre posted on X.
“A search and rescue operation for the seafarers, coordinated by the Oman Maritime Security Center (OMSC), is on. Indian Navy has also joined the search and rescue operations,” ANI had quoted a source from the Indian embassy.