Oman | October 12, 2026

Two Indian seafarers remain missing after a drone attack on the tanker MT Petro Dolphin at Sohar Anchorage off Oman on October 11, India’s Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said. Nine other Indian crew members aboard the vessel were rescued and reported safe, while local Coast Guard-led search-and-rescue operations continued.

The Nicaragua-flagged tanker was carrying 11 Indian seafarers, according to statements reported by Indian media. India’s Embassy in Muscat said it was in contact with the relevant authorities and monitoring the situation. The latest reports available on October 12 did not confirm the whereabouts of the two missing crew members.

A second commercial vessel was also hit

India also condemned an incident involving the MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz region on October 11. A fire was reported aboard the vessel, but all 11 Indian seafarers on board were reported safe. The two vessel incidents should be treated separately; available reports do not establish that the same weapon or actor was responsible for both.

India coordinates rescue efforts

According to the Shipping Minister’s statement, the local Coast Guard was conducting search-and-rescue operations, while Indian authorities were coordinating with the relevant agencies to support the effort. The Indian Embassy in Muscat was also liaising with Omani authorities and the ship-management companies.

India called for attacks on commercial shipping to cease and urged de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution. The safety of crews is the immediate concern; the identities of those responsible for the specific incidents should not be stated as fact without authoritative confirmation.

Why this matters

The Strait of Hormuz and adjacent Gulf of Oman waters are strategically important for international energy shipments and commercial navigation. Attacks on merchant vessels put civilian crews at risk and can increase uncertainty for ship operators, insurers and cargo owners. The incidents also have a direct Indian dimension because many Indian nationals work in international merchant shipping.

The status of the missing sailors remains the key developing issue. This report will require updating if authorities confirm a rescue, identify the responsible parties or release further details about the investigation.

Sources

Reporting note: This article reflects reports available on October 12, 2026. The missing crew members’ status and the circumstances of the attacks remain subject to official updates.