Two Indian seafarers missing, nine rescued after drone attack on tanker at Sohar Anchorage
Mangalore Today News Network
Oman, Oct 12, 2026: Two Indian seafarers are missing after a drone attack on the tanker MT Petro Dolphin at Sohar Anchorage off Oman, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Sunday. Nine other Indian crew members were rescued and are safe.
In a social media post on X, Sonowal said that while nine Indian crew members had been successfully rescued and were safe, two Indian nationals remained missing.
He further said search-and-rescue operations were actively underway by the local Coast Guard.
"On Oct 11, tanker MT PETRO DOLPHIN, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was subjected to a drone attack at Sohar Anchorage. While nine of our Indian crew members have been successfully rescued and are safe, two Indian nationals currently remain missing," he wrote.
"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," he added.
The Embassy of India in Oman also stated that it has taken stock of the situation and is closely monitoring the situation concerning MT PETRO DOLPHIN, a Nicaragua-flagged tanker. "The Embassy is in close and continuous contact with the concerned authorities," it wrote on X.
Drone Attack on Tanker MT PETRO DOLPHIN at Sohar Anchorage, Oman; Two Indian Seafarers Missing A total of 12 crew members, including 11 Indians, were on board; 10 were rescued safely, while the Coast Guard is searching for the missing seafarers. Oman/New Delhi, October 11, 2026: The Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT PETRO DOLPHIN, which was awaiting berthing at Sohar Anchorage, Oman, was reportedly attacked by a drone. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 AM local time on October 11. Following the incident, two Indian seafarers are reported missing, while 10 crew members have been rescued safely. According to preliminary information received from the relevant sources, a total of 12 crew members were on board the tanker at the time of the incident. They comprised 11 Indian nationals and one Bangladeshi national. #MTPETRODOLPHIN #DroneAttack #Oman #SoharAnchorage #IndianSeafarers #MissingSeafarers #SeafarersSafety #MaritimeSecurity #TankerAttack #IndianCrew #CoastGuard #SearchAndRescue #ShippingNews #MaritimeNews #IndianMariners #DGMA #DGShipping #MarineSafety #BreakingNews #VoiceOfSea @dgshipping_IN @MEAIndia @sarbanandsonwal @Shantanu_bjp @PMOIndia @InSeaandshore
— Marine Tanks (Voice of Sea) (@MarineTanksInd) October 11, 2026
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strongly statement on the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region.
"We condemn the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region on 11 October 2026. MT PETRO DOLPHIN was reportedly struck by a drone, with two of the 11 Indian seafarers onboard reported missing. MT VALTHERA, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, was struck by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire onboard. All 11 Indian seafarers onboard MT VALTHERA are reported to be safe. The Embassy of India in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities and respective ship management companies for the rescue of missing Indians and to provide all possible assistance to the Indian crew.
The safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the Government of India. The recurring attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning and risk further aggravating an already volatile situation.
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. Freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways, in accordance with international law, must be upheld."