Two British cruise passengers are killed in a car crash while on a sightseeing coach trip in Oman
- The pair were stepping off a coach in Salalah when they were hit by a car
- The driver, who did not have a licence and has veered into the wrong lane
- A third British person was also seriously injured and was taken to hospital
Two British women have been killed while on a coach trip excursion in the middle of an ‘Authentic Arabia’ cruise in the Middle East.
The pair were stepping off a coach in Salalah, Oman, near the Haffa market, when they were hit by a car.
The driver, who did not have a licence, had veered into the wrong lane, Royal Oman Police say.
A third person, a British man, was also seriously injured and taken to hospital where he is now said to be in a stable condition.
Guests were aboard the Boudicca, a Fred Olsen Cruise Line, which was travelling from Aqaba in Jordan to Abu Dhabi
None of the victims have been named, but the Foreign Office confirmed that the two women killed were British.
All guests were aboard the Boudicca, a Fred Olsen Cruise Line, which was travelling from Aqaba in Jordan to Abu Dhabi.
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In a statement published on its website, Fred Olsen Cruises said: ‘Royal Oman Police preliminary reports suggest the cause of the accident was the driver’s deviation from his lane.
‘The driver also did not hold a driving licence. Further investigations into the accident are ongoing.’
The pair were stepping off a coach in Salalah, Oman, near the Haffa market, when they were hit by a car
At 11am, they were on a trip to Souq Al Haffa in Salalah when the incident occurred on Thursday, September 27.
In a statement, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines said: ‘Further investigations into the accident are ongoing.
‘The guests’ families have been informed and arrangements are being made to reunite them with their loved ones.
‘The safety of all guests and crew is Fred Olsen’s utmost priority.
‘We continue to work closely with the local tour operator, the authorities in Salalah and Oman and the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office to provide full support to all those affected.’
A crew member from Boudicca has remained behind in hospital with the injured guest.
The driver, who did not have a licence, had veered into the wrong lane, Royal Oman Police say
A senior member of Fred Olsen’s UK head office team has also flown to Salalah to provide additional assistance.
The cruise ship operator is working closely with the local tour guide and authorities in Salalah to provide support to the other passengers.
‘As soon as the names of those involved have been officially confirmed, next of kin will be informed,’ the statement added.
‘Our deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones at this very sad time.’
The women were on the 14 night ‘Authentic Arabia’ fly cruise, which left Jordan on September 20.
A senior member of Fred Olsen’s UK head office team has also flown to Salalah to provide additional assistance
A spokeswoman from the Foreign Office said: ‘We are supporting the families of two British nationals who have been hospitalised following a road accident in Oman.’
Thousands of Brits visit Oman every year, and the Foreign Office says most visits are trouble-free.
But it warns: ‘You should maintain a high level of security awareness and take care in public places and on the roads.
‘Driving can be dangerous outside Muscat; there is a risk of hitting wandering camels and goats on the road. Rainfall can cause sudden and severe flooding in dry riverbeds and on roads that cross them.
‘The standard of Omani roads is generally good. Driving standards in Oman are not always as disciplined as those in the UK, and the rate of traffic accidents in Oman is significantly higher.’
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