Three French tourists killed as boat capsizes off Oman’s coast

Published January 27th, 2026 - 04:48 GMT
Three French tourists killed as boat capsizes off Oman’s coast
A handout image taken and made available by the Royal Oman Police on January 27, 2026, shows debris floating in the water as an Omani Naval Police vessel surveys the area after a boat carrying French tourists capsized off the shore of Oman killing three people and injuring two others. AFP
Highlights
Police said an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident, including weather conditions, technical factors, and compliance with maritime safety regulations.

ALBAWABA- Three French tourists were killed and two others were injured after a tour boat capsized off the coast of Oman, local authorities said on Tuesday.

In a statement posted on X, the Royal Oman Police said preliminary findings indicate that the vessel overturned about 4.6 nautical miles from the Port of Sultan Qaboos in Muttrah province. The boat was carrying a group of 25 French tourists, along with a tour guide and the captain of the boat.

Emergency teams were dispatched to the scene, where three passengers were pronounced dead. Two others sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment, while the remaining passengers were safely rescued. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.

Police said an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident, including weather conditions, technical factors, and compliance with maritime safety regulations.

Oman has seen a steady rise in international tourism in recent years, with visitors drawn to its coastline, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage. 

The incident comes as the Sultanate continues to promote sustainable tourism as part of its long-term national development strategy, while emphasizing the importance of safety standards in marine and adventure tourism activities.