CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: CNN Central News and Network – ITDC India ePress / ITDC News, Bhopal. Incidents of attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns over maritime security. On October 11, 2026, a drone attack hit the tanker MT Petro Dolphin near Oman’s Sohar anchorage, leaving two Indian sailors missing. A total of 11 Indian sailors were on board the vessel. Nine of them have been rescued safely, while the search for the missing sailors is continuing.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the local coast guard was carrying out the rescue operation. The Government of India is in constant contact with the relevant authorities so that the missing sailors can be traced. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is also coordinating with Omani authorities and the ship management companies.
On the same day, another tanker, MT Walthera, was also attacked by an unidentified projectile, causing a fire on the vessel. However, all 11 Indian sailors on board this ship were reported safe. Earlier, on October 9, MT Gem No. 2 had also come under a drone attack. All 22 Indian sailors on board that vessel were safe.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the attacks on commercial ships and called for an immediate halt to them. India has stressed the need to reduce tensions in the region and resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. The ministry said freedom of navigation in international waterways and the safe operation of maritime trade must be ensured. The continuing incidents have raised serious questions over the safety of Indian sailors working in the Gulf region. For now, Indian authorities are monitoring the search for the missing sailors and developments related to the affected vessels.
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