The Indian Navy has also deployed its P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft to aid in the search efforts
In a significant maritime operation, the Indian Navy has mobilized its resources after an oil tanker MT Falcon Prestige which capsized off the coast of Oman with 13 Indian crew members on board. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Teg has rescued nine sailors, including eight Indians and one Sri Lankan, the Indian Navy said on Wednesday (July 17, 2024). 

The eight Indians have reached ashore: one Indian has, however, died, and the person's body has been retrieved, India's Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said on Thursday (July 18, 2024).

"Spoke with our Ambassador in Oman, Amit Narang, to get an update on the capsized vessel MV Prestige Falcon. Relieved to know that 8 Indians who were rescued by INS Teg have reached ashore and are being looked after. 1 Indian person's body has been retrieved. We are closely monitoring the situation and the government is ensuring all possible assistance. Thank all authorities in India and Oman involved in the process. My deepest condolences to the family of the bereaved," MoS Singh said in his statement.

The search for the remaining crew members continues unabated. The Indian Navy and Omani agencies are working tirelessly to locate and rescue the missing personnel. The vessel, flagged under Comoros, sank approximately 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, Oman, on the evening of July 15, 2024.

INS Teg, which was deployed in the region and undergoing an Operational Turn Around, was sailed at short notice to render Search and Rescue (SAR) assistance. The INS Teg, a Talwar-class frigate, is renowned for its speed and agility, crucial attributes in SAR missions.

The Indian Navy has also deployed its P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft to aid in the search efforts. The P-8I, known for its long-range reconnaissance capabilities, is working alongside Omani vessels and personnel to locate survivors. The search and rescue operations are being conducted under challenging weather conditions, with rough seas and strong winds complicating the efforts.

As per the Oman Maritime Security Centre (Oman-MSC), the tanker capsized about 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah in the Wilayat of Duqm. The vessel, which was on its way to the Yemeni port city of Aden from Hamriya port in Dubai, had a total crew of 16, including 13 Indians and three Sri Lankans.

The Indian Navy's Spokesperson posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, “#IndianNavy's mission deployed warship #INSTeg, rendering SAR assistance for the capsized Oil Tanker MV #PrestigeFalcon, has rescued 09 (08 Indians & 01 Sri Lankan) personnel. The MV had capsized about 25 NM southeast of Ras Madrakah, #Oman on #15Jul 24 & SAR efforts in coordination with Oman Authorities are in progress since AM 16 Jul 24. The #SearchAndRescue by Indian & Omani assets is being undertaken in challenging weather conditions as the area is experiencing rough sea & strong winds. #IndiaNavy's Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft P8I is also assisting in search for survivors.”

The search and rescue efforts are concentrated in an area known for its challenging maritime conditions. Rough seas and strong winds are hindering the search operations, but the resilience and determination of the rescue teams remain unwavering. The P-8I aircraft, with its advanced surveillance and reconnaissance technology, plays a pivotal role in locating the survivors, providing real-time data to the rescue teams on the ground.

Duqm Port, near the site of the incident, is a significant hub for Oman’s oil and gas mining projects. The proximity of such a crucial industrial area underscores the potential environmental impact of the tanker’s sinking, adding another layer of urgency to the rescue operations.

The Indian Navy has a long history of conducting successful SAR missions, often extending its reach beyond national boundaries to assist in international waters. The current mission is a testament to the Navy's preparedness and operational readiness in responding to maritime emergencies.

Family members of the missing crew are anxiously awaiting news, with hopes pinned on the successful rescue of their loved ones. The Indian government, through its embassy in Muscat, is in constant touch with the Omani authorities, ensuring that all possible resources are being utilized in the search and rescue operations.

The incident has once again brought to light the risks faced by seafarers and the need for stringent safety measures on vessels. It also emphasizes the importance of international maritime cooperation in safeguarding lives at sea.