Search Underway for Missing Indian Seafarers After Drone Attack

On October 11, a drone attack targeted the MT Petro Dolphin, a tanker with eleven Indian crew members, while it was anchored at Sohar, Oman. Following the incident, two of the crew members remain missing, as confirmed by Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Nine crew members were successfully rescued and are reported safe. Search-and-rescue operations are currently being conducted by local authorities.

The Indian government is coordinating with Omani agencies to locate the missing seafarers. Sonowal stated that the Ministry is in constant communication with relevant authorities to support the ongoing rescue efforts. The incident has raised alarms, especially as it follows another recent attack on a commercial vessel in the region.

The Embassy of India in Muscat has also issued a statement, indicating that it is closely monitoring the situation regarding the Nicaragua-flagged tanker. The embassy is maintaining contact with local authorities to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to locate the missing crew members. This incident highlights the increasing risks faced by Indian seafarers operating in volatile maritime environments.

This drone attack comes shortly after a similar incident on October 6, when the Panama-flagged vessel MT On Peace was struck by a projectile while navigating the Strait of Hormuz. This earlier attack injured twelve crew members, including eleven Indians, prompting strong condemnation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The MEA has expressed deep concern over the ongoing threats to shipping in the region, calling for an immediate cessation of such attacks. They emphasized the need for the safety of commercial shipping and the protection of seafarers, urging for the restoration of safe navigation through international waterways.