Oman’s mysterious shipwreck: Cyclone-stranded MV Jernas draws tourists

Dubai: A striking new video has renewed interest in one of Oman’s most mysterious coastal landmarks — the abandoned cargo ship MV Jernas, which has drawn tourists and photographers since washing ashore near Salalah.

The Bahraini-flagged vessel, built in 2001 and operating between Jebel Ali and Yemen, was stranded after tropical Cyclone Mekunu in 2018.

Previously detained in a Yemeni port due to a dispute between the captain and the ship’s agent, the Jernas broke free during the cyclone and drifted helplessly toward Oman, eventually grounding near the cliffs of Hayour Heights in the Aftalqoot area.

The ship’s rusted hull, set against turquoise waters and jagged cliffs, has made it one of Oman’s most photographed modern shipwrecks.

Drone pilots, adventure travellers, and photography enthusiasts regularly capture cinematic footage that goes viral across social media.

Its remote location, intact lifeboat, and the unclear fate of its crew have fueled ongoing speculation, adding to the vessel’s mysterious aura.

The MV Jernas now stands as both a reminder of Cyclone Mekunu’s power and a unique attraction for those seeking dramatic coastal landscapes.

What began as a maritime mishap has evolved into an extraordinary open-air landmark, blending natural beauty, maritime history, and the raw force of nature along Oman’s southern coastline.