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Nine crew members were rescued from MT Petro Dolphin, while search-and-rescue operations continue for two missing Indians. All 11 Indian seafarers aboard MT Valthera are safe
India has condemned attacks on two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region that left two Indian seafarers missing, with nine others rescued from one of the ships. The government has called for an immediate de-escalation of the ongoing conflict and urged all sides to stop attacks on commercial shipping.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the tanker MT Petro Dolphin was reportedly struck by a drone, while MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, was hit by an unknown projectile, causing a fire onboard.
“We condemn the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region on 11 October 2026,” the ministry said, adding that two of the 11 Indian seafarers aboard MT Petro Dolphin were reported missing.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said nine Indian crew members aboard MT Petro Dolphin had been rescued and were safe. Search-and-rescue operations were underway to locate the two missing Indian nationals.
In a post on X, Sonowal said the Nicaragua-flagged tanker was subjected to a drone attack at Sohar Anchorage on October 11. He added that the local Coast Guard was conducting search-and-rescue operations and that Indian authorities were coordinating with the relevant agencies to support the efforts.
More from WorldThe MEA said the Embassy of India in Muscat was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities and the respective ship management companies to locate the missing seafarers and provide assistance to the Indian crew.
All 11 Indian seafarers aboard MT Valthera were reported safe following the attack, the ministry said. Sonowal separately confirmed that the vessel had been struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz region, resulting in a fire onboard.
“The safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the Government of India,” the MEA said, warning that recurring attacks on commercial shipping could further aggravate an already volatile situation.
India calls for de-escalation
India reiterated the need to resolve the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must stop.
“Freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways, in accordance with international law, must be upheld,” the MEA said.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global energy shipments, making maritime security in the region important for oil and gas supplies. Attacks on vessels operating in and around the Gulf have raised concerns over the safety of commercial crews and the movement of cargo.
Earlier attack on tanker carrying 22 Indians
The latest incidents follow a drone attack on October 9 on MT Gem No. 2, a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker carrying 22 Indian nationals. The vessel was targeted at Sharjah Anchorage, and Sonowal said all 22 Indian seafarers aboard were safe.
India has also called for greater international cooperation to protect commercial vessels and seafarers. The Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, launched by India and Liberia on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, aims to strengthen coordination among maritime stakeholders and keep maritime safety on the international agenda.
(With inputs from agencies.)
