New Delhi: India has strongly condemned back-to-back attacks on commercial tankers in the Gulf, after a drone strike off Oman left two Indian seafarers unaccounted for and another vessel was hit in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Nicaragua-flagged MT Petro Dolphin was reportedly targeted by a drone at Sohar Anchorage on Sunday. Of the 11 Indian crew members, nine were rescued safely, while search efforts continued for the remaining two.
In a separate strike, the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Valthera was hit by an unidentified projectile while in the Strait of Hormuz, sparking a fire aboard the tanker. The MEA confirmed that all 11 Indians serving on the vessel were safe.
Hunt On For Missing Crew Members
Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Omani authorities had launched an active rescue operation for the two missing Indians from MT Petro Dolphin.
“Search-and-rescue operations are actively underway by the local Coast Guard. We are continuously coordinating with all relevant authorities to fully support the ongoing rescue efforts and ensure every possible action is taken to safely locate our missing personnel,” Sonowal said in a post on X.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it remained in close contact with the authorities concerned and was working with Omani agencies and the vessels’ management companies to trace the missing seafarers and support the rescued crew, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Delhi Demands End To Strikes
Calling the recurring assaults on merchant shipping “deeply concerning,” the MEA warned that such attacks could worsen tensions in an already unstable region.
“India reiterates the need for immediate de-escalation and a resolution to the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease,” the ministry said.
New Delhi also underlined that freedom of navigation and the secure movement of maritime trade through international waterways must be protected under international law.
Gulf Tensions Escalate
The latest strikes came days after the Panama-flagged crude tanker MT Gem No. 2, carrying 22 Indian nationals, was targeted in a drone attack at Sharjah Anchorage on October 9. All Indian crew members were reported safe.
The incidents have added to concerns over the safety of commercial navigation in the Gulf as the conflict in West Asia shows no signs of easing.