Two passengers die in Salalah on Abu Dhabi-bound Fred Olsen cruise

Two British tourists killed in a traffic accident in Salalah last week were on a cruise from Aqaba to Abu Dhabi aboard the cruise ship Boudicca, Fred Olsen Cruise Line has confirmed to Cruise Arabia & Africa.

In an emailed statement, the cruise line said the passengers were on an excursion to Souq Al Haffa in Salalah when they were struck by a car, having alighted from their tour bus.

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“Our deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones at this very tragic time,” a spokesperson for the cruise line said. “The guests’ families have been informed and arrangements are being made to reunite them with their loved ones.”

According to Royal Oman Police, preliminary reports indicate that 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 two female guests who were killed in the accident were among three stuck by the car. The third, a male passenger, suffered serious injuries and is being treated in Oman, according to police reports.

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A crew member from Boudicca has remained behind in hospital with the injured guest, and a senior member of Fred. Olsen’s UK Head Office team has flown to Salalah to provide additional assistance, the line said.

“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,” the statement added.

Boudicca is currently on a 14-night ‘Authentic Arabia’ fly-cruise, which departed from Aqaba, Jordan on 20th September 2018. The cruise will conclude in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 3rd October 2018.