Dubai: Coastguards have launched a search for an Omani sailor lost at sea off the coast of Croatia after falling overboard on Wednesday, his Musandam-Oman Sail team announced.
The captain of the Oman-based multi-hull boat, Frenchman Sidney Gavignet, raised the alarm at 0305 GMT after Mohammad Al Alawi fell overboard.
Croatian and Italian coastguards were assisting with the search-and-rescue operation for Al Alawi, who was part of a five-man crew heading to Trieste in Italy to take part in the Barcolana international sailing regatta.
“Mohammad’s family has been notified and Oman Sail team members are with them and supporting them through this uncertain time,” the team said in a statement.
“We will send an update on the situation when we have more information,” it added.
Bader Al Busaidi, the secretary general of the foreign ministry tweeted that “Our hearts and prayers are with him. Strenuous efforts are continuously being made with the authorities in Croatia to assist in search operations”.
The Italian and Croatian coastguards are assisting with the search and rescue operation for the missing 26-year-old, said the statement. Wind speed at the time of his fall was 15-17 knots.
— With inputs from AFP
