Indian Navy rescues nine people after oil tanker sinks off Oman

Search and rescue forces, in a joint operation with Oman, recover the body of a deceased sailor

Jul 17. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Indian Navy on Wednesday rescued nine sailors, eight of them Indian nationals, after a Comoros-flagged oil tanker sank off the coast of Oman. Search and rescue personnel also recovered the body of one deceased person.

“The search and rescue operation by Indian and Omani authorities is being carried out in challenging weather conditions as the area is experiencing rough seas and strong winds,” the Navy said on social media.

The Indian Navy has deployed the warship INS Teg to assist the MT Prestige Falcon, which ran aground late on Monday about 25 nautical miles (about 46 kilometers) off Ras Masdraka, the Omani Maritime Security Centre said.

An Indian long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft has also been deployed in coordination with Omani authorities to rescue the 16 crew members on board, 13 Indians and three Sri Lankans.

The Oman Maritime Safety Centre said in a brief statement on social media that nine people were found alive in the area. “Tragically, one crew member has died,” it said, without giving further details.