A tourist boat has capsized off the coast of Oman, with three people reportedly killed. Royal Oman Police said the boat was carrying 25 French tourists, along with a tour guide and the captain, when it capsized in Muttrah, in the Muscat Governorate.

Emergency crews from the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance were sent to the scene, where three people were pronounced dead and two others were treated for minor injuries. Police confirmed all remaining passengers were rescued, and that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the incident. Later, in a statement, Royal Oman Police said:
“Preliminary information indicates that a boat carrying a group consisting of twenty-five tourists of French nationality, in addition to the tour guide and the boat captain, capsized, resulting in the death of three tourists and injuries to two with minor injuries that were treated by ambulance crews affiliated with the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance at the site.” The force added: “Investigations are still ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident.”

According to local publication Oman Observer, the tourist boat was travelling from Bandar Al Rowdha to the Damaniyat Islands when it capsized.

The incident reportedly happened at around 9am, with several passengers rescued by a passing vessel returning to Marina Al Bandhar.

Oman, on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, is a popular destination for diving and scenic beauty, but is often overshadowed by the glitz and skyscrapers of nearby Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The Damaniyat Islands are a particularly popular destination for diving and snorkelling trips.

The tragedy follows another maritime disaster off Oman’s coast in September 2025, when 22 Pakistani fishermen went missing after their vessel caught fire and capsized during a storm, reportedly triggered by a faulty gas cylinder, with only one survivor rescued by a passing ship.

In March last year, a child was also found dead at sea four days after going missing in Oman, following a major search operation involving water rescue teams, emergency services and local volunteers.