All 22 Indian crew members safe after drone attack on Panama-flagged tanker off UAE coast

Mangalore Today News Network

UAE, Oct 10, 2026: A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker carrying 22 Indian nationals was attacked by a drone near Sharjah Anchorage off the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday (October 9) with all Indian seafarers on board safe, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.

The vessel, MT GEM NO. 2, was struck by an unknown projectile about 13 nautical miles west of Al Jazeera, off the UAE coast, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The strike triggered a fire on board, which was subsequently extinguished.

“I am relieved to share that all 22 of our Indian seafarers onboard are reported to be completely safe," Sarbananda Sonowal said, adding that the government was in contact with the ship management company to ensure the crew’s safety and well-being.

What Happened To The Tanker?

UKMTO said a vessel had been struck by an unknown projectile on Friday but initially did not identify the ship. Its first update said the status of the crew, the extent of the damage and any potential environmental impact remained unknown, adding that authorities were investigating the incident.

Two shipping and security sources later identified the vessel as the Panama-flagged crude oil supertanker GEM NO. 2, Reuters reported. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the strike.

The incident occurred outside the Strait of Hormuz area, according to maritime security sources cited by Reuters.

Iran Warns Ships Against Unauthorised Strait Of Hormuz Routes

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy renewed its warning to vessels against taking unauthorised routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy shipments.

The IRGC Navy said vessels violating designated routes through the waterway would be pursued and punished. It also said maritime freight must coordinate with the Persian Gulf Strait Authority before crossing the channel. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes, carrying a substantial share of global oil shipments.