The Indian Navy has swiftly mobilized its warship and air assets to conduct a search and rescue (SAR) operation near Ras Madrakah, Oman, following the capsizing of a merchant vessel (MV) carrying 13 Indian crew members. The distress call was issued after the Comoros-flagged oil tanker, Prestige Falcon, capsized approximately 25 nautical miles southeast of Ras Madrakah.
According to sources, the Indian Embassy in Muscat, Oman is in constant touch with the Omani authorities. A Search and Rescue (SAR) operation has been launched and is being coordinated by the Oman Maritime Security Center (OMSC) for the seafarers.
Indian Navy has also joined the search and rescue operations and has also deployed P8I in assisting in SAR for the survivors.
Immediate Response by Indian Navy
The Indian Navy has once again established its commitment to maritime safety by being one of the first responders to this emergency. In response to the distress call, the Navy promptly deployed the warship INS Teg, which was already in the region for Operational Turn Around. The warship set sail on short notice to assist in the SAR efforts. Additionally, the Navy’s P8I maritime patrol aircraft has been dispatched to aid in the search for survivors, showcasing the Navy’s comprehensive approach to SAR operations.
Details of the Incident
The Prestige Falcon, a 117-meter-long oil products tanker built in 2007, was en route to the Yemeni port of Aden when it capsized on the evening of July 15, 2024. The vessel had a total crew of 16 members, comprising 13 Indians and 3 Sri Lankans. The incident occurred amid rough seas and strong winds, complicating the rescue operations. Nevertheless, the Indian Navy’s quick response has been crucial in the ongoing efforts to locate and rescue the crew members.
Coordination with Omani Authorities
The SAR operations are being conducted in close collaboration with Omani authorities and their assets. The Maritime Security Centre of Oman confirmed the incident in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “A Comoros-flagged oil tanker capsized 25 NM southeast of Ras Madrakah. SAR Ops initiated with the relevant authorities.” This coordination underscores the importance of international cooperation in maritime safety and the effectiveness of joint efforts in such critical situations.
Indian Navy’s Track Record as First Responders
The Indian Navy has always been among the first responders to maritime emergencies, both within and beyond Indian waters. This incident is the latest in a series of prompt and effective responses by the Navy to distress calls at sea. For instance, on November 27, a cargo ship with 14 crew members, including Indians, sank off the coast of Lesbos Island in Greece due to high-speed winds.
The Comoros-flagged ship Raptor, which was carrying a load of salt from Dekheila, Egypt to Istanbul, sank 4.5 nautical miles southwest of Lesbos. The Indian Navy’s swift action in such cases has been instrumental in saving lives and providing timely assistance.
Commitment to Maritime Safety
The Indian Navy’s rapid deployment of assets for the SAR operation near Ras Madrakah highlights its unwavering commitment to maritime safety and its readiness to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice. The ongoing operations demonstrate the Navy’s capability and preparedness to handle challenging situations, ensuring the well-being of seafarers in distress. The coordinated efforts with Omani authorities further emphasize the critical role of international partnerships in addressing maritime emergencies effectively.