Oman tanker attack: Two indian sailors missing, nine rescued

MUSCAT: Two Indian sailors are missing after a drone attack on an oil tanker off Oman, while nine other crew members were rescued, according to Indian authorities.

The Nicaragua-flagged MT Petro Dolphin, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was attacked at Sohar Anchorage off the Omani coast on October 11. Nine crew members were rescued, while two remained missing. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India identified the missing sailors as Bir Bahadur Yadav and Amit Singh and sought an urgent update on their whereabouts.

In a separate incident on the same day, the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Valthera, also carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz region, triggering a fire on board. All 11 crew members were reported safe.

India strongly condemned the attacks on commercial vessels and called for immediate de-escalation and a resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities and the ship-management companies to assist the crews and support efforts to locate the missing sailors.

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has urged authorities to provide an immediate status update on the missing seafarers and ensure support for their families.