Two Indian seafarers remain missing after a drone attack targeted the tanker MT Petro Dolphin at Sohar Anchorage in Oman on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Nine other Indian crew members aboard the vessel have been rescued and are safe, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said.
The incident has prompted search-and-rescue operations by the Coast Guard. Indian authorities have also been in contact with Omani officials to locate the missing crew members. The Indian Embassy in Muscat has said it is closely monitoring the situation.
The attack comes amid growing maritime security concerns in the region, where commercial vessels have faced threats in recent weeks as tensions have increased in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Two Indian Seafarers Missing After Drone Attack On MT Petro Dolphin
Sonowal said the tanker MT Petro Dolphin was carrying 11 Indian seafarers when it was attacked by a drone at Sohar Anchorage on October 11.
In a social media post, the minister said nine crew members had been rescued, while two Indian nationals remained missing.
🇮🇳🇴🇲 Vissuals of MT Petro Dolphin that came under drone attack at Sohar Anchorage, Oman on Sunday. 2 Indian crew member, BirBahadur Yadav & Amit Singh remain missing, says Indian seamen union. https://t.co/Chlg0s8vJO
— ARIKA🇮🇳🚩 (@nidhisj2001) October 12, 2026
Sonowal said the local Coast Guard was conducting search-and-rescue operations. The Indian government is in close contact with the relevant authorities on the ground, and every possible effort is being made to locate the missing seafarers.
Reports identified the vessel as a Nicaragua-flagged tanker. Details about the attack, including its origin and the extent of damage to the ship, were not available at the time of writing.
The immediate priority for the authorities is to locate the two missing crew members and establish what happened during the incident.
Indian Embassy In Muscat Works Closely With Omani Authorities
The Embassy of India in Muscat is monitoring the situation involving MT Petro Dolphin.
The embassy confirmed that two of the 11 Indian seafarers aboard the tanker were missing and said it was in constant contact with the relevant authorities.
The coordination aims to support the search operation and obtain updates about the missing crew members. Indian authorities are working with their Omani counterparts to assist the ongoing efforts.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers working aboard commercial vessels in sensitive maritime waters. Indian nationals form a significant part of the global maritime workforce, making crew safety an important concern for the government.
However, officials have not yet provided details about the identities of the missing seafarers or the latest developments in the search operation.
Maritime Security Concerns Grow Around The Strait Of Hormuz
The attack on MT Petro Dolphin reflects wider concerns about commercial shipping security around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas supplies.
The waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Disruptions in this region can affect shipping schedules, energy markets and the movement of commercial vessels.
A separate incident was also reported on October 11 involving the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT Valthera. The vessel was reportedly hit by an unidentified projectile that caused a fire on board. All 11 Indian sailors aboard that tanker were reported safe.
India has condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the region and called for de-escalation. The incidents have renewed concerns about the safety of maritime workers and the security of international shipping routes.
The two incidents involved different vessels and remain separate events. However, both have raised concerns about maritime security in the region.
Search For Missing Indian Crew Members Continues
The immediate priority remains the search-and-rescue operation for the two Indian crew members missing from MT Petro Dolphin. Indian officials are coordinating with the relevant authorities as efforts continue to locate them.
The government has said it will support the search for the missing seafarers. Further official updates are expected as more information becomes available.
For the families of the missing crew members, locating their loved ones remains the central concern as authorities continue the search and work to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Comments