Reuters – The 16-member crew of the Comoros-flagged oil tanker Prestige Falcon, which capsized off the coast of Oman, remains missing, according to the country’s maritime security centre. The crew includes 13 Indian nationals and three Sri Lankans, as reported on the social media platform X.
The vessel is now “submerged, inverted,” the centre told Reuters, though it did not confirm whether the ship has stabilized or if there is any oil leakage.
Incident Details and Vessel Background
Shipping data from LSEG showed the Prestige Falcon was en route to the Yemeni port of Aden when it capsized near Oman’s major industrial port of Duqm. The 117-meter-long oil products tanker, built in 2007, is typically used for short coastal voyages.
Owned by UAE-based company Netco FZE, the vessel was reportedly fully laden with oil at the time of the incident. Attempts to contact the company have gone unanswered.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Omani authorities launched a coordinated search and rescue operation with maritime agencies, as reported by Oman’s state news agency. The crew’s fate remains unknown, and no confirmation has been given regarding a potential oil spill.
Environmental and Economic Implications
The port of Duqm, located on Oman’s southwest coast, is adjacent to major oil and gas projects, including a large refinery that anchors the country’s largest industrial zone. The capsized vessel’s proximity to these facilities raises serious environmental concerns.
This incident underscores the risks associated with transporting oil in densely industrialized coastal regions. Regulatory scrutiny and safety evaluations may follow, especially given the vessel’s flag-of-convenience registration under Comoros.
Related Reading on Maritime-Hub
- Crew is missing after Tanker capsized off Oman
- Oil Slick in Gulf of Oman After Tanker Collision
- Summary of Significant Shipboard Incidents in May 2025
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
