New Delhi: A search and rescue operation is underway to locate 16 Indian seafarers, of which 13 are Indians after an oil tanker capsized off the coast of Oman, government sources said on Wednesday.
"A Comoros flagged vessel, MT Falcon Prestige, transmitted a distress call around 2200 hrs on 14 July 2024 off the coast of Oman. The merchant vessel has a crew of 16, of which 13 are Indian seafarers. The vessel seems to have capsized. Our Embassy in Oman is in constant touch with the Omani authorities. A search and rescue operation for the seafarers, coordinated by the Oman Maritime Security Center (OMSC), is on. The Indian Navy has also joined the search and rescue operations", sources told ETV Bharat.
According to the Maritime Security Centre, the Comoros-flagged Prestige Falcon had a 16-member crew — 13 from India and three from Sri Lanka — and search and rescue operations to locate missing seafarers are underway. The incident happened 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah on Monday.
The Prestige Falcon is owned by United Arab Emirates-based Netco FZE, according to the Equasis marine database. As per sources, the ship was a relatively small vessel, with a deadweight tonnage of about 7,000 tons. The Prestige Falcon’s last port of call was the Hamriyah Oil Terminal in the UAE.
India and Oman share a strategic maritime relationship that is deeply rooted in history and mutual interests. This relationship encompasses various aspects, including defence cooperation, economic partnerships, and cultural exchanges. The maritime relationship between India and Oman dates back to ancient times, with both regions engaging in trade across the Arabian Sea.
Over centuries, there have been significant cultural exchanges, with communities in both countries sharing similarities in language, cuisine, and traditions. India and Oman regularly conduct joint military exercises, such as the bilateral naval exercise 'Naseem Al Bahr' (Sea Breeze). These exercises enhance interoperability and mutual understanding between the navies of both countries.
Defence Agreements: There are several defence cooperation agreements in place, including those for maritime security, information sharing, and training. Oman provides access to its ports, such as Duqm, for Indian naval vessels. This is strategically important for India’s presence in the Western Indian Ocean. Trade between India and Oman covers a wide range of goods, including oil, gas, minerals, textiles, and agricultural products. Oman is a significant supplier of crude oil to India. Both countries have invested in each other’s economies.
Indian companies have a substantial presence in Oman, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing. Oman is a key partner in India’s energy security, supplying oil and natural gas. Additionally, both countries are exploring opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy. A large Indian expatriate community resides in Oman, contributing to the country’s economy and cultural diversity.
The Indian community is well-integrated and plays a vital role in Oman’s development. Regular high-level visits by leaders and officials from both countries reinforce the strong bilateral relationship. In light of regional security challenges, India and Oman have been collaborating closely on maritime security and counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean region. Both countries are likely to deepen their maritime cooperation, focusing on areas such as the blue economy, marine research, and sustainable use of ocean resources.
