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Three French Tourists Die in Tour Boat Capsize Off Muscat

Authorities opened an investigation into safety practices after reports of rough seas.

Overview

  • Police say the vessel carried 25 French tourists plus a tour guide and captain when it overturned about 2.5 nautical miles from Sultan Qaboos Port around 9 a.m. local time.
  • Two people sustained minor injuries that were treated on site by Civil Defence crews, and survivors were pulled from the water by passing tourist boats and Coast Guard Police.
  • The tour was headed to the Ad/Dimaniyat Islands, a popular snorkeling and diving destination northwest of Muscat.
  • Officials confirm the three bodies were recovered and transferred to the relevant authorities as the cause of the capsizing remains under investigation.
  • A Civil Defence spokesman said some passengers were not wearing life jackets and noted that several injured were elderly and suffered panic and cold exposure.