Two Britons killed in Oman were passengers on a cruise to Abu Dhabi

The women died after being hit by a car near a market in Salalah. A third British victim is in hospital with serious injuries

The Boudicca at sea

Two British women struck and killed in Oman by a car were passengers on a cruise ship due to arrive in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

A third British national was seriously injured in the incident in Salalah but is in a stable condition in hospital.

The Boudicca, owned by Norwegian company Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, was on a 14-day voyage through the Middle East after leaving Jordan on ­September 20.

The deaths occurred on September 27 in a souq shortly after tourists from the liner were dropped off by their tour bus.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones at this very tragic time,” said a spokesman for the cruise operator. “The guests were on an excursion to Souq Al Haffa in Salalah when they were struck by a car, having alighted from their tour bus.

“According to Royal Oman Police, preliminary reports indicate that the cause of the accident was the driver deviating from his lane. The driver also did not hold a driving licence. Further investigations into the accident are ongoing.”

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The two-week cruise began in the Jordanian city of Aqaba before sailing to Salalah for a day excursion onshore.

Haffa market, or Al Hosn Souq as it is also known, is billed by Fred Olsen as one of the cruise holiday’s highlights.

“Beautiful beaches, the impressive Sultan Qaboos Palace and the energetic Al Husn Souk – packed with stalls selling local wares such as real frankincense resin – are among the many highlights to discover in Oman’s second city,” the company’s website reads.

After leaving Salalah, the ship berthed at Muscat and Khasab, in the far north of Oman, before sailing on to Qatar and finally Abu Dhabi, where the cruise ends. Passengers will spend a full day in the capital on Wednesday.

“The safety of all guests and crew is Fred Olsen’s utmost priority,” the spokesman said. “We continue to work closely with the local tour operator, the authorities in Salalah and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office to provide full support to all those affected.

“The guests’ families have been informed and arrangements are being made to reunite them with their loved ones.”

Oman’s Tourism Ministry said it “expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the two victims of this tragic and painful accident, and wishes the injured a speedy recovery and a safe return to his home country.”