At a Glance
- Three French tourists died when a tour boat overturned off Muscat on Jan. 27.
- The 25-passenger vessel was heading to the Damaniyat Islands when it capsized 2.5 nautical miles from Sultan Qaboos Port.
- Rescue teams from Civil Defence and the Ambulance Authority treated two injured passengers and recovered the bodies.
Why it matters: The incident underscores the importance of safety protocols on tourist vessels in Oman’s coastal waters.
Three French tourists lost their lives when a tour boat capsized off the coast of Muscat on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The Royal Oman Police confirmed that the vessel, carrying 25 passengers, overturned 2.5 nautical miles from Sultan Qaboos Port in the wilayat of Mutrah. Rescue crews from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority responded to the scene and treated two injured passengers.
Incident Details
The boat departed Muscat bound for the Damaniyat Islands, a popular tourist destination, and was traveling at roughly 9 a.m. local time when the incident occurred. The Royal Oman Police released a statement on X confirming that the vessel had overturned and that 25 French tourists were aboard, along with a tour guide and the boat captain.
The capsized vessel was seen floating in the water while another nearby vessel sailed past. Passengers were rescued by a passing tourist boat, according to sources cited by the Oman Daily Observer.
Rescue and Response
Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority crews arrived quickly and treated the two injured passengers on site. The agency posted a statement on X:
> “Rescue and ambulance teams from the Civil Defense and Ambulance Unit in Muscat Governorate responded to a report of a tourist boat capsizing in the Wilayat of Mutrah, resulting in the death of three tourists and injuries to two others with minor injuries that were treated on-site by ambulance teams.”
An interview with the agency’s spokesman on Oman’s Hala FM radio station provided further details:
> “Upon our arrival, a number of tourists had already been rescued by tourist boats and Coast Guard Police, and all of them were in good health,” the spokesman said. “The majority of the injured were elderly, and some of them were suffering from panic and cold due to exposure to the water.”
> “We measured the vital signs of the injured and provided oxygen to some of them until their health stabilized,” the spokesman continued. “Some passengers were not wearing life jackets during the trip.”
> “The bodies of those died would be transferred to the relevant authorities to complete the legal procedures.”
The Civil Defence team also shared images of the rescue operation on X, showing the capsized boat and the emergency response.
Investigation and Statements
Police officials confirmed that an investigation into the incident remains ongoing. The Royal Oman Police posted a brief press release on X, noting the number of passengers and the location of the capsizing.
An operator speaking to the Oman Daily Observer mentioned that recent days had seen rough sea conditions, but the conditions suddenly worsened, contributing to the vessel’s instability.
The investigation will likely examine the vessel’s safety equipment, passenger load, and compliance with maritime regulations. No official cause has yet been announced.
Background and Context
Muscat’s coastline is a frequent destination for international tourists, and the Damaniyat Islands are a well-known spot for day trips. The Royal Oman Police regularly monitors maritime traffic in the area, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority maintains rapid response teams for incidents at sea.
This incident follows a series of maritime safety concerns worldwide, emphasizing the need for stringent adherence to safety protocols such as life jacket usage and proper passenger distribution.
Key Takeaways
- Three French tourists died and two others were injured after a 25-passenger tour boat capsized 2.5 nautical miles from Sultan Qaboos Port.
- Rescue teams from Civil Defence and the Ambulance Authority treated injuries on site and recovered the bodies.
- The Royal Oman Police confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway.
- The Civil Defence spokesman highlighted that some passengers were not wearing life jackets and that many injured were elderly.
- The incident underscores the importance of safety measures on tourist vessels in Oman’s coastal waters.
The ongoing investigation will determine the precise cause of the capsizing and whether any safety regulations were breached. Until a formal report is released, the focus remains on honoring the victims and ensuring the safety of future travelers.
