Two Indian Sailors Missing After Drone Attack on Tanker Off Oman, Union Identifies Crew, India Condemns Strikes

Two Indian seafarers remain missing after a drone attack on a commercial tanker off Oman, as a maritime workers’ union demanded urgent action to locate them and ensure the safety of crews operating in conflict-hit waters. A second tanker carrying Indian sailors was also attacked on October 11.

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) identified the missing sailors as Bir Bahadur Yadav and Amit Singh and urged authorities to intensify search operations, establish their whereabouts and provide assistance to their families.

The Nicaragua-flagged MT Petro Dolphin, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was reportedly struck by a drone near Sohar Anchorage, Oman. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said nine crew members had been rescued safely, while two remained missing. Omani Coast Guard personnel are conducting search-and-rescue operations, with Indian authorities coordinating with local agencies.

The Indian Embassy in Muscat is monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with Omani authorities and the vessel’s management company.

In a separate incident, MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, was struck by an unidentified projectile, triggering a fire onboard. All 11 Indian seafarers aboard the vessel were reported safe.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned both attacks, warning that repeated strikes on commercial shipping could worsen an already volatile regional situation.

India called for immediate de-escalation and urged all sides to end attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure. It also stressed the need to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safe, uninterrupted movement of maritime commerce through international waterways.

The attacks have renewed concerns over the safety of Indian sailors navigating the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global energy shipments. The immediate priority remains locating the two missing crew members as search operations continue.