Three tour boat passengers die off Oman coast

A tour boat carrying French holidaymakers capsized off the coast of Muscat, Oman, on Tuesday morning, killing three people and injuring two others, authorities said. The vessel was travelling from Sultan Qaboos Port towards the Damaniyat Islands, a popular snorkelling and diving destination, when it overturned about 2.5 nautical miles from the shoreline. The Royal Oman Police confirmed the deaths and said an investigation has begun to establish the cause of the accident.

Omani emergency services and passing vessels responded to distress calls shortly after the incident. The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority said rescue teams reached the scene quickly and brought all remaining passengers to safety. Two individuals who sustained minor injuries were treated by medical teams on shore and discharged. The identities of those killed have not yet been released by officials.

The overturned boat was carrying 25 French tourists, alongside a tour guide and the boat’s captain, according to police reports. The group had embarked on what was described as a day trip to the Damaniyat Islands, known for its marine life and scenic waters off Oman’s coastline. Details on weather or sea conditions at the time are under review as part of the formal inquiry.

Witness accounts gathered by local media indicated that sea conditions may have deteriorated quickly, contributing to the vessel’s instability. Oman’s naval and coastguard units are working with the Royal Oman Police to reconstruct events leading up to the capsize, including assessing whether safety protocols such as life jacket use were fully observed. Officials emphasised that findings from the ongoing probe will guide recommendations to prevent similar incidents.

Family members of those aboard have been informed, and French consular representatives in the region are assisting with follow-up arrangements. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed sorrow over the fatalities and said consular officials in Muscat were supporting the families of the deceased. Representatives from the ministry did not immediately provide further details on their engagements.

Maritime safety organisations highlighted how commercial and leisure boating activities are subject to rigorous guidelines in the Gulf of Oman, particularly given the unpredictability of sea conditions in winter months. Analysts noted that capsize incidents, while relatively uncommon in the region’s tourism sector, often prompt regulatory reviews to reinforce vessel stability standards and emergency preparedness among operators and tourists alike.

Local authorities underscored the strategic importance of swift response capabilities. Coastguard teams, supported by civil defence units, were reported to have arrived within minutes of the accident notification, quickly securing the overturned vessel and accounting for the majority of the passengers on board. The two injured tourists were described as stable after immediate care.

Tourism officials in Oman have been working to position the sultanate as an attractive destination for international visitors, with natural attractions such as the Damaniyat Islands promoted for eco-tourism and marine activities. The country recorded a notable uptick in visitor numbers last year, with authorities aiming to expand its tourism footprint through infrastructure and safety investments. The latest incident is likely to prompt discussions on enhancing safety oversight for marine excursions.

Maritime experts say that understanding the dynamics of small-craft stability in changing weather and wave conditions is crucial for operators offering tourist services. They point out that even well-maintained vessels can be vulnerable if conditions shift suddenly, and that strict adherence to passenger limits and safety equipment requirements is vital. Training for crew and clear communication of emergency procedures to passengers are also cited as key components of risk mitigation.