The oil tanker Prestige Falcon capsized off the coast of Oman on July 15, resulting in the recovery of nine crew members alive and one crew member found dead during the rescue operation. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing to find the remaining crew members who were on board the vessel at the time of the incident. The Maritime Security Centre of Oman confirmed that 10 crew members have been found, with nine alive and one deceased.
The capsizing of the MV occurred about 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah in Oman, leading to coordinated search and rescue operations since July 16 in collaboration with Oman authorities. The total crew on the MV consisted of 16 members, including 13 individuals from India and three from Sri Lanka. The Indian Navy has been actively involved in the rescue efforts, with the warship INS Teg successfully rescuing nine crew members, eight of whom were Indian nationals.
The challenging weather conditions in the area, characterized by rough seas and strong winds, have made the search and rescue operations difficult. The Indian Navy’s Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft P8I has also been deployed to assist in locating any remaining survivors. The Indian Embassy in Oman has been in constant communication with Omani authorities to coordinate the search and rescue efforts for the Prestige Falcon crew.
The Indian Embassy in Oman provided updates on the rescue mission for the Comoros-flagged vessel, emphasizing the successful rescue of nine crew members, including eight Indians, by INS Teg. The search for the remaining survivors continues as Indian and Omani assets collaborate to locate any crew members still missing. Despite the challenging conditions, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals on board the capsized oil tanker.
The cooperation between Indian and Omani authorities, as well as the involvement of the Indian Navy in the search and rescue operations, highlights the importance of international collaboration in maritime emergencies. The focus remains on locating and rescuing any crew members who may still be stranded following the Prestige Falcon’s tragic capsize. The commitment to saving lives and ensuring the safety of individuals at sea underscores the significance of prompt and effective response measures in maritime incidents.
