MUSCAT: The Police Coast Guard of the North Al Batinah Police Command intercepted a small boat in Omani territorial waters carrying 29 individuals attempting to enter Oman illegally by sea. The operation took place during a routine patrol when the vessel was spotted navigating close to the coastline in the early hours of the morning. Uniformed officers moved swiftly to approach and safely bring the boat alongside their patrol craft, preventing any risk of capsizing or injury to those on board.
Upon securing the vessel, coast guard personnel conducted initial health and safety checks on all 29 detainees, providing water and medical attention as needed. Most of the individuals reported exhaustion and dehydration from several days at sea. The group consisted of men and women from various nationalities, with no official travel documents or entry permits. Medical teams accompanied the operation to ensure that anyone requiring further treatment could be transferred to nearby health facilities.
Following identification procedures, the arrested individuals were handed over to the Royal Oman Police’s immigration unit for formal processing. Investigators are now conducting interviews to determine the organizers behind this attempted illegal entry and to uncover potential human trafficking networks. Authorities stressed that Oman remains committed to humanitarian principles but will enforce strict measures against unauthorized migration and any parties facilitating such activities.
In light of this incident, the North Al Batinah Police Command has renewed its warning to would-be migrants about the dangers of sea crossings and the legal consequences of entering the country without authorization. The coast guard continues to intensify surveillance operations along the coastline, collaborating with neighboring countries and international agencies to combat irregular migration and protect Oman’s maritime borders.
