A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker carrying 22 Indian nationals was reportedly attacked by a drone near Sharjah Anchorage in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on October 9, 2026. All 22 Indian crew members aboard the ship were safe, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said yesterday.
A ship's safety was also under the scanner for a week for commercial vessels in the Gulf - where maritime security threats have intensified in recent weeks.
MT GEM NO. 2 Targeted Near Sharjah
The vessel involved in the incident was MT GEM NO. 2, a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker. The attack was said to have happened as the vessel was at Sharjah Anchorage, off the UAE coast.
According to reports released on October 10, the UKMTO received information about a vessel struck by an unknown projectile about 13 nautical miles west of Al Jazeera. A fire broke out aboard, but was later extinguished.
While UKMTO did not identify the vessel in its initial report, shipping and security sources identified it as MT GEM NO. 2.
The incident is being monitored as concern grows over attacks on commercial shipping on major maritime routes in the Middle East.
Sarbananda Sonowal confirms all 22 Indians are safe
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said all 22 Indian seafarers aboard the tanker were safe following the reported attack.
On October 9, the minister said the government was closely monitoring the situation and in touch with the ship management company.
He also said that the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers were a priority.
The news of the crew's safety brought relief to families of the crew members; no doubt it brought great relief to them, and the authorities were monitoring the situation on the ship.
No injuries among the 22 Indian crew members were reported as a result, the minister said.
Rising Security concerns in the Gulf.
The attack is the latest of several security incidents involving commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and in the wider Gulf.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping channels connecting the Persian Gulf with international markets. Almost all oil and other energy supplies are shipped on this waterway every day.
Any disruption to shipping in the region can affect vessel movements, insurance costs, energy supplies and international trade.
The safety of shipping companies, seafarers, and governments has been under increased threat from recent incidents involving oil tankers.
India monitors safety of Seafarers
India has consistently stressed the imperative to protect its citizens on commercial vessels in the region.
The government is working with the relevant authorities, shipping companies and Indian missions to monitor the safety of Indian seafarers.
The latest attack underscores the hazards for maritime workers as regional tension increases. All 22 Indian crew members were said to be safe but the attack has reignited calls for stronger measures to protect commercial shipping and maintain the security of international maritime routes.
The incident will be monitored and the investigation will be conducted, he said.
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