The coasts of the Sultanate of Oman witnessed a tragic accident that resulted in the death of three tourists and the injury of others, after a tourist boat carrying a group of French visitors capsized near the capital, Muscat, in a rare incident that shook the local tourism circles.
Details of the tragic accident
The Royal Oman Police announced on Tuesday that a maritime accident had occurred, resulting in the death of three people and minor injuries to two others. According to the official statement released via the "X" platform, the boat capsized 2.5 nautical miles (approximately 4.6 kilometers) from Sultan Qaboos Port in Muttrah, one of the Sultanate's most historically significant and touristic areas.
Authorities explained that the boat was carrying a group of 25 French tourists, in addition to the boat's crew, consisting of the captain and tour guide. Rescue teams and relevant authorities rushed to the scene immediately upon receiving the report to begin evacuation operations and manage the situation. The injured were transported to receive necessary medical care, while investigations are still underway to determine the precise circumstances and the technical or environmental causes that led to the boat capsizing.
Tourism in Oman: General Context and Strategic Importance
The Sultanate of Oman enjoys a distinguished international reputation as one of the safest tourist destinations in the Middle East, boasting stunning natural beauty that combines towering mountains, expansive deserts, and pristine coastlines. The Wilayat of Muttrah, near which the incident occurred, is a vibrant hub for marine tourism, attracting visitors to explore the traditional Muttrah Souq and Corniche, embark on dolphin-watching cruises, and enjoy the scenic landscapes.
This incident comes at a time when the Sultanate is witnessing remarkable growth in visitor numbers, with the country receiving around four million visitors in 2024. The Omani government is paying close attention to the tourism sector within the framework of "Oman Vision 2040," which aims to diversify sources of national income and reduce dependence on oil, with ambitious plans to triple the number of tourists by 2040 by focusing on sustainable and adventure tourism.
Safety procedures and impact of the incident
Although maritime accidents involving tourists in Oman are very rare thanks to the stringent safety measures enforced by the maritime authorities and the coast guard, this incident underscores the importance of continued adherence to maritime safety standards, especially given the increasing popularity of marine activities. It is expected that the relevant authorities will review safety protocols for cruise tourism to ensure such tragedies are not repeated and to maintain the Sultanate's reputation as a safe and preferred tourist destination for European and international tourists.
