Oman condoles with France as 3 tourists die in boat accident

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman expressed its sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the government and people of the French Republic, and to the families of the victims, following the capsizing of a tourist boat in the Wilayat of Muttrah, Muscat Governorate. Oman also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, the Sultanate of Oman expressed its appreciation for the efforts exerted by rescue and ambulance teams in responding to this tragic incident. The ministry further confirmed that investigations are currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Earlier, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced the death of three tourists and confirmed that two others sustained minor injuries after a boat carrying a group of 25 French nationals, along with a tour guide and the boat captain, capsized, according to preliminary information.
Authorities confirmed that emergency response teams from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) managed the incident at the scene. An investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The incident happened some 3 km off Muttrah on Tuesday morning, the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority said.
The deceased are identified as a French couple and another lady who were part of a 23-member tourist group which set out from Bandar al Rowdha for dolphin watching. The captain and the tourist guide are safe, while other tourists were sent to the hotel.
The incident happened around 9 am. Several boats belonging to the private tourist firm rushed to the scene of the tragedy along with the rescue boats of CDAA.
Speaking to the Observer, representatives from Sidab Tours, the tour operator, said that the boat had a capacity of 28 people, including the crew and that the sea turned rough and the boat capsized a few minutes after the tour began.
The CDAA advises all seagoers to be watchful of the sea conditions and to take precautions while setting sail during adverse weather conditions.