13 Indians Among 16 Missing After Oil Tanker Capsizes Off Oman

A tragic maritime incident occurred off the coast of Oman, where the oil tanker ‘Prestige Falcon’ capsized, leaving 16 crew members, including 13 Indians, missing. This article provides an in-depth look at the events leading to the capsizing, the ongoing search and rescue operations, and the broader implications of this maritime disaster.

Incident Overview

The ‘Prestige Falcon,’ a Comoros-flagged oil tanker, capsized 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, near the Omani port of Duqm. The tanker was en route to the Yemeni port of Aden when it encountered severe difficulties. The vessel remains submerged and inverted, raising concerns about the safety of the crew and potential environmental impacts.

Crew Details

The tanker had a crew of 16 members, including 13 Indians and three Sri Lankans. The crew’s safety is the top priority as search and rescue operations continue. The Omani maritime security center has been actively coordinating efforts to locate and rescue the missing crew members.

Search and Rescue Operations

Search and rescue teams have been deployed to the site of the capsizing. The Omani authorities, in coordination with international maritime agencies, are working tirelessly to find the missing crew members. The rough sea conditions and the vessel’s position have posed significant challenges to the rescue operations.

Environmental Concerns

The capsizing of the ‘Prestige Falcon’ has raised significant environmental concerns. There is a risk of oil or oil products leaking into the sea, which could have detrimental effects on the marine ecosystem. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to mitigate any potential environmental damage.

Port of Duqm

Duqm Port, situated on Oman’s southwest coast, is a major hub for the country’s oil and gas projects. The port’s strategic location makes it a critical point for maritime trade and industry. The incident has highlighted the importance of maritime safety and the need for stringent measures to prevent such disasters.

Historical Context

The ‘Prestige Falcon’ is a 117-meter-long oil products tanker built in 2007. Such tankers are generally used for short voyages, carrying oil and related products. The maritime industry has seen similar incidents in the past, emphasizing the need for robust safety protocols and emergency response mechanisms.

The capsizing of the ‘Prestige Falcon’ off the coast of Oman is a tragic event with significant human and environmental implications. As search and rescue operations continue, the focus remains on finding the missing crew members and addressing the potential environmental impact. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks associated with maritime operations and the critical importance of safety measures.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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