Captain Among Seven Killed In Ship Blast

A Pakistani country craft (a small wooden dhow) reportedly exploded off the coast of Salalah on Friday,, killing seven, including the captain. The reason behind the explosion is not known yet. Informed sources told Times of Oman on the condition of anonymity that the explosion occurred near the one of the five Khuriya Muriya Islands, 40km off the southeastern coast of the Sultanate.According to sources, nine on board the ship were rescued by a ship and were being transported to the Sultanate.“The coast guard men are engaged in rescue operations,” a source in Salalah said. The Pakistani country craft was reportedly heading to Somalia from Sharjah. Meanwhile, sources from Pakistan confirmed the accident to Times of Oman, saying that Fateh Mohammed, the captain, and six others on board had died in the explosion.