A major shipwreck was reported off the coast of Oman, where an oil tanker capsized, leaving 16 crew members missing, including 13 Indians. The ship also housed three Sri Lankan crew members on board.

Rescue operations are underway to locate and save the missing crew members.

According to a post on social media platform X by Oman’s Maritime Security Centre (MSC), “A Comoros flagged oil tanker capsized 25 NM southeast of Ras Madrakah.”

The MSC stated that the ship’s crew members are still missing and that a search and rescue operation is ongoing.

The vessel has been identified as the Prestige Falcon, which set off from Duqm, home to a major oil refinery and industrial area.

Updates regarding the recent capsizing incident of the Comoros flagged oil tanker southeast of Ras Madrakah pic.twitter.com/PxVLxlTQGD

— مركز الأمن البحري| MARITIME SECURITY CENTRE (@OMAN_MSC) July 16, 2024

The oil tanker was reportedly en route to the Yemeni port city of Aden.

It is currently submerged in the sea in an upside-down position.

According to shipping data, the vessel was built in 2007 and is 117 metres long.

Notably, the Duqm port is located on Oman’s southwest coast. It is close to the sultanate’s major oil and gas exploration projects.

Duqm also houses a major oil refinery, part of the city’s vast industrial zone. This is Oman’s largest single economic project.