Oman

RNO sinks decommissioned ship in Musandam

 
MUSANDAM: One of the Royal Navy of Oman’s (RNO) ships was decommissioned and drowned on the waters overlooking Musandam Governorate, on Tuesday.

The sunken ship’s hull will be used as havens for coral reef and marine species as well as tourism purposes.

The sinking of the decommissioned ship is aimed at utilizing the shipwreck for providing an optimal environment for the formation of coral reef and the reproduction marine species as well as conducting scientific researches and studies by marine biologists.

The decommissioned ship was among the RNO’s fast ships. The ship spent 35 years in service during which she accomplished a multitude of national tasks and missions. The ship was towed from the Musandam Naval Base before the sinking process was carried out in coordination with relevant civil authorities.



Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam, said: “The site of the drowning was selected for being protected from sea currents and for being a diving site which helps increase tourist activities in Musandam Governorate.

The sinking process was attended by Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam, Rear Admiral Saif Nasser al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) and a number of senior officers from the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and specialists from the Environment Authority. — ONA