Indian Seafarers Rescued: 2 Missing After Drone Attack on Tanker in Oman
New Delhi: Nine Indian seafarers were rescued after a drone attack targeted the tanker MT Petro Dolphin at Sohar Anchorage off the coast of Oman on Sunday, October 11. Two Indian crew members remain missing, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.
The tanker was carrying 11 Indian seafarers when the incident occurred. According to Sonowal, the nine rescued crew members are safe, while search-and-rescue operations are continuing to locate the missing personnel.
Indian Seafarers Rescued as Search Operations Continue
In a post on X, Sonowal said the local Coast Guard was actively conducting search-and-rescue operations. He added that the Indian government was coordinating with the relevant authorities to support the efforts to locate the two missing crew members.
“We are continuously coordinating with all relevant authorities to fully support the ongoing rescue efforts and ensure every possible action is taken to safely locate our missing personnel,” the minister said.
The Embassy of India in Oman also confirmed that two of the 11 Indian seafarers aboard the Nicaragua-flagged tanker were reported missing.
The embassy said it was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining continuous contact with the concerned authorities.
Another Tanker Incident Reported Near the Gulf
The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over the safety of commercial vessels and their crews in the Gulf region.
On October 9, the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2, carrying 22 Indian nationals, was involved in a drone attack incident at Sharjah Anchorage off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Sonowal subsequently said all 22 Indian crew members were safe.
The incidents have renewed concerns about maritime security and the safety of Indian seafarers operating in waters affected by regional tensions.
The search for the two missing Indian seafarers was continuing, with the local Coast Guard leading the rescue efforts.
