Tragedy struck in the waters off Oman as an oil tanker, the ‘Prestige Falcon’, capsized with 16 crew members on board, including 13 Indians and 3 Sri Lankans.
The vessel, bound for Yemen’s Aden Port, encountered distress 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah near Duqm, Oman’s port city. The incident has prompted a massive search and rescue effort involving multiple agencies, including the Indian Navy.
According to Oman’s maritime security center, the Comoros-flagged oil tanker remains submerged and inverted.
Despite initial efforts, it’s unclear whether the vessel has stabilized or if there are concerns about oil leakage into the sea, a potentially disastrous environmental consequence.
The Indian Navy swiftly responded to the distress call, deploying the INS Tej warship and the P-8I surveillance aircraft to aid in locating the missing crew members.
This coordinated effort underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation, as time is of the essence in maritime rescue operations.
The ‘Prestige Falcon’, a 117-meter-long oil products tanker built in 2007, typically operates on shorter voyages.
Its route from an undisclosed location to Aden Port suggests routine maritime transport duties, highlighting the sudden and tragic turn of events during what would have been a routine operation.
Duqm Port, situated on Oman’s southwest coast, serves as a crucial hub for the country’s extensive oil and gas projects.
With a major oil refinery as part of its industrial zone, Duqm plays a pivotal role in Oman’s economy, emphasizing the strategic importance of maritime safety and security in the region.
As rescue operations continue, the fate of the missing crew members, particularly the 13 Indians and 3 Sri Lankans, remains uncertain.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by maritime workers and the critical importance of robust safety measures and swift emergency responses in the maritime industry.
The global shipping community closely monitors developments, awaiting updates on the search efforts and any potential environmental impacts from the capsized vessel.
Efforts to stabilize the situation and mitigate risks to marine ecosystems will be paramount in the coming days.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏