RESCUED: OMANI FISHERMEN SAVE CREW FROM SINKING BOAT

After failing to plug the leak, the Indian sailors abandoned their boat and it was the timely intervention of Omani fishermen who saved their lives and brought them to the shore

MUSCAT: Eleven Indian sailors were rescued from a sinking cargo ship, thanks to the Omani fishermen who saved their lives on Saturday.

“At least for four hours, we were in danger. We thought that we all will drown. However, Omani fishermen came to our rescue,” Abdullah Juma, boat captain, told Times of Oman.

The cargo ship, which had 69 used cars, cooking oil and tyres on board, capsized 15 nautical miles from Al Suwaiyeh in Jalan Bu Ali on Saturday early morning. There were 11 Indians on board.

“At around 2am, our cargo

“By morning, Omani fishermen on 25 boats found us. They came to our rescue. We all tried to salvage the cargo, but nothing could be done. We waited until 11am and then came to the shore,” the captain added.

Meanwhile, members of Pravasi Jalan, an Indian social organisation coordinating the local authorities, said that accommodation for the rescued crew has been arranged.

“We have booked hotel rooms for them. They have their passports and all. But they have lost their dress and other things. In coordination with local authorities and Indian embassy, paper works will be done for their repatriation,” the organisation members said.