New Delhi, Oct 12
Two Indian seafarers are missing after two commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members came under attack in separate incidents near the Strait of Hormuz and off the coast of Oman on October 11, prompting India to condemn the strikes and call for an immediate halt to attacks on commercial shipping.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the attacks on civilian vessels were unacceptable and warned that further escalation could threaten maritime safety in the strategically important region. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities and the respective ship management companies to locate the missing crew members and provide assistance.
The tanker MT Petro Dolphin, which was carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was hit by a drone off Oman’s coast. Two crew members remain missing, while nine others were rescued. Another vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Valthera, was struck by an unidentified projectile, causing a fire onboard. All 11 Indian sailors aboard that vessel were reported safe.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said search-and-rescue operations were under way in coordination with local authorities. The government is monitoring the situation and working to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in the region.
The incidents have raised fresh concerns about the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and energy supplies. India has called for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to the regional tensions, stressing the need to protect civilian vessels and ensure safe navigation in international waters.