Two tankers attacked off Oman, two Indian seafarers missing as MEA condemns strikes
Two tankers attacked off Oman. (Image courtesy: Screenshot from a widely shared X video)
New Delhi: A drone attack on the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin at Sohar Anchorage off Oman has left two Indian seafarers missing, triggering search-and-rescue operations by the local Coast Guard. The incident took place on Sunday, when 11 Indian seafarers and one Bangladeshi national were reportedly aboard the vessel.
The shipping minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, said nine Indian crew members had been rescued and were safe, while two Indian nationals remained unaccounted for. In a post on X, he said the government was coordinating with the relevant authorities to support rescue efforts and help locate the missing seafarers.
The embassy of India in Muscat, said it was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining continuous contact with the concerned authorities. The embassy is coordinating efforts to assist the missing crew members and provide support to the Indian seafarers involved.
MEA condemns attacks
The Ministry of External Affairs condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region on Sunday, raising concerns over the safety of seafarers and the security of maritime traffic. The ministry also reported a separate incident involving MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker that was struck by an unidentified projectile, causing a fire onboard.
All 11 Indian seafarers aboard MT Valthera were reported safe, according to the MEA. The ministry said the Indian embassy in Muscat was coordinating with Omani authorities and the respective ship management companies to assist the missing crew members and provide all possible support to Indian seafarers.
The MEA said the safety and security of Indian seafarers remained a priority for the government, warning that recurring attacks on commercial shipping risked further aggravating an already volatile regional situation. It called for immediate de-escalation and urged the parties involved to resolve the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
India also stressed that attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease. The ministry reiterated that freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded movement of maritime commerce through international waterways must be protected in accordance with international law.
