Rescue Operation by INS Teg
Context:
The Indian Navy’s mission-deployed warship, INS Teg, successfully rescued nine crew members (eight Indians and one Sri Lankan) from the Comoros-flagged oil tanker MV Prestige Falcon, which capsized off the Oman coast.
Relevance:
GS-01 (Geography)
Gulf of Oman: Strategic Maritime Region
- Geographical Significance: The Gulf of Oman, also known as the Gulf of Makran, is the western extension of the Arabian Sea, situated in the Middle East. It forms the only entrance to the Persian Gulf from the Indian Ocean, connecting to the Arabian Sea through the Strait of Hormuz, which then leads into the Persian Gulf.
- Bordering Nations: The Gulf of Oman is bordered by Pakistan and Iran to the north, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the west, and Oman to the south. Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is located along its coast.
- Dimensions: The Gulf spans approximately 320 km at its widest point, between Cape al-Hadd in Oman and the Gwadar Bay on the Iran-Pakistan border, and narrows to 56 km at the Strait of Hormuz. It is about 560 km in length.
- Topography: The Gulf is relatively shallow due to its origin as a fissure in the mountainous spine now divided between Iran and Oman. Significant islands in the Gulf include Sheytan Island, Al Fahal Island, Dimaniyat Islands, and the Sawadi Islands.
- Major Ports: Key international shipping ports located in the Gulf of Oman are Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, Oman; Chabahar Port in Iran; and the Port of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan Container Terminal in the UAE.
- Strategic Importance: The Gulf of Oman is a critical maritime route, with approximately one-third of the world’s oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf. This highlights its strategic importance for global energy transportation and international trade.
