In a dramatic maritime rescue operation, the Indian Navy has successfully saved nine sailors from the crew of the Comoros-flagged vessel MT Falcon Prestige, which capsized off the coast of Oman on July 14, 2024. Among those rescued are eight Indian nationals and one Sri Lankan citizen, while efforts continue to locate the remaining crew members.
The distress call from the 117-meter-long oil products tanker was received late in the night on July 14, approximately 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, near the port of Duqm in Oman. The vessel, built in 2007 and en route to the Yemeni port of Aden, encountered severe conditions leading to its capsizing.
The Indian Embassy in Oman, in close coordination with Omani authorities and the Indian Navy, deployed resources swiftly to initiate search and rescue operations. INS Teg, a prominent warship of the Indian Navy, along with maritime surveillance aircraft P-8I and Omani vessels, was pivotal in locating the distressed tanker on July 16.
Confirming the successful rescue, a statement from the Indian Embassy underscored ongoing efforts: “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 operation, conducted amid challenging maritime conditions, highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies and underscores the swift response capabilities of the Indian Navy in such critical situations. The ongoing search aims to locate and rescue any remaining crew members of the Falcon Prestige, emphasizing the commitment to maritime safety and security in the region.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by seafarers navigating international waters, particularly in adverse weather conditions. As rescue operations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all crew members affected by the capsizing of MT Falcon Prestige.
Sources By Agencies
