13 Indians Among 16 Missing After Oil Tanker Capsizes off Oman Coast

Tragedy struck off the coast of Oman as an oil tanker, the 'Prestige Falcon', carrying 16 crew members, including 13 Indians and 3 Sri Lankans, capsized near the port of Duqm. 

The vessel was en route to Yemen's Aden port when it encountered distress, leading to a desperate search and rescue operation.

The incident, reported by Oman's maritime security center, highlighted the perilous conditions faced by crew members aboard the Comoros-flagged tanker. 

The vessel capsized approximately 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah, prompting immediate efforts to locate the missing personnel.

Rescue operations have been mobilized swiftly, with the Indian Navy deploying resources including the warship INS Tej and surveillance aircraft P-8I. 

Oman's own vessels and personnel are also engaged in the search, hoping to locate any survivors amidst challenging maritime conditions.

The 'Prestige Falcon', a 117-meter-long oil products tanker built in 2007, remains submerged and inverted, according to reports from LSEG's shipping data. 

Concerns about potential oil or product leakage into the sea add urgency to the rescue efforts, emphasizing the environmental and human impact of the incident.

Duqm Port, where the tanker capsized, serves as a crucial hub for Oman's oil and gas projects, housing significant industrial infrastructure including a major oil refinery. 

The port's strategic location on Oman's southwest coast underscores its importance in regional maritime activities and commerce.

The tragedy underscores the risks faced by seafarers, particularly on vessels navigating hazardous waters. 

The crew members aboard the 'Prestige Falcon' were engaged in what typically are routine voyages for such oil tankers, highlighting the unpredictable nature of maritime operations.

As search and rescue efforts continue, the international community awaits updates on the fate of the missing crew members. 

The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in maritime trade and the importance of robust safety measures to protect seafarers worldwide.