Indian Navy’s INS Teg during its search and rescue operation for the capsized Comoros-flagged Oil Tanker MV Prestige Falcon. Photo: X/@indiannavy
The Indian Navy warship INS Teg assisting in search and rescue for the capsized Comoros-flagged Oil Tanker MV Prestige Falcớn, has rescued nine crew — eight Indians and one Sri Lankan — the Navy said late on July 17. The tanker has a 16-member crew, which includes 13 Indians and three Sri Lankans, according to the Maritime Security Centre (MSC) of Oman.
The vessel had capsized about 25 NM southeast of Ras Madrakah, Oman on July 15 and SAR efforts in coordination with Oman Authorities have been in progress since morning of July 16.
“The SAR by Indian and Omani assets is being undertaken in challenging weather conditions as the area is experiencing rough sea and strong winds, the Navy said on July 17. “Indian Navy’s Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft P8I is also assisting in search for survivors.”
“Stealth frigate INS Teg deployed in the region and undergoing Operational Turnround (OTR), was sailed at short notice to render SAR assistance. SAR efforts are progressing in coordination with Omani authorities and assets, in rough seas and strong winds,” a Defence source said on July 17. “Indian Navy’s P8I is also assisting in search for survivors.”
Another source said that the vessel transmitted a distress call around 2200 hrs on July 14 off the coast of Oman. “Indian Embassy in Oman is in constant touch with the Omani authorities.”
Indian Naval ships on deployment in the Gulf of Aden and the region regularly visit Oman ports for OTR and P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft have also been visiting Oman for OTR extending their reach and endurance.
In September 2021, Indian Navy and Royal Oman Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding for exchange of White Shipping Information to facilitate information exchange on merchant shipping traffic, through Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and MSC, Oman and contribute to “enhanced maritime safety and security in the region.”
