New Delhi, October 12: Two commercial tankers carrying Indian seafarers were attacked in separate incidents near the Strait of Hormuz and off Oman on October 11, leaving two Indian nationals missing, while the remaining 20 crew members were reported safe, according to Indian authorities.
The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT Valthera, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified projectile while in the Strait of Hormuz region, triggering a fire onboard. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said all 11 Indian crew members were safe.
In a separate incident, the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin, also carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was hit by a drone at Sohar Anchorage off Oman. Nine crew members were rescued and reported safe, while two remained missing as search-and-rescue operations continued.
The Embassy of India in Muscat said it was closely monitoring the situation involving MT Petro Dolphin and remained in contact with the concerned authorities.
The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attacks, describing them as deeply concerning and warning that such incidents risk aggravating an already volatile regional situation. It said the Indian embassy in Muscat was coordinating with Omani authorities and the ship management companies to assist the missing seafarers and support the crews.
India also called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial vessels and stressed the need to uphold freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded flow of maritime commerce in accordance with international law.
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