2 Indian Seafarers Missing After Drone Hits Tanker Off Oman; 9 Rescuedਓਮਾਨ ਨੇੜੇ ਟੈਂਕਰ 'ਤੇ ਡਰੋਨ ਹਮਲਾ: 2 ਭਾਰਤੀ ਮਲਾਹ ਲਾਪਤਾ, 9 ਬਚਾਏ ਗਏ

Two Indian seafarers are missing after the tanker MT Petro Dolphin was hit by a drone at the Sohar anchorage off Oman on Sunday, October 11, 2026, India's Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. Nine of the 11 Indian crew on board were rescued.

Hours earlier, a second tanker with Indian crew was struck in the Strait of Hormuz region. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned both attacks and called for de-escalation.

What happened to MT Petro Dolphin?

Sonowal said on X that the tanker, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was subjected to a drone attack at Sohar Anchorage in northern Oman. Nine Indian crew members were rescued and are safe, while two Indian nationals remain missing. Search-and-rescue operations are being carried out by the local Coast Guard, he said.

The Indian Embassy described the vessel as a Nicaragua-flagged tanker and said it was in close contact with the authorities concerned. The MEA said the vessel was "reportedly struck by a drone".

What about the second vessel, MT Valthera?

The MEA said MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz region, causing a fire on board. All 11 Indian seafarers on the ship were reported safe, according to the ministry and Sonowal.

What has India said?

In its statement of October 11, the MEA said: "We condemn the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region." It called for immediate de-escalation and resolution of the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Reports noted that India had also condemned an attack on another vessel, MT On Peace, off Oman on October 6.

Why does this matter for families in Punjab?

Indian seafarers, including many from Punjab, crew merchant ships across the Gulf. The attacks have put the safety of Indian crews in the region in focus. No report has so far named the two missing sailors or their home states, and the attackers have not been identified in the sources reviewed.

Who are the two missing sailors?

Their names and home states have not been made public. The Indian Embassy in the region is in contact with the authorities.

How many Indians were on MT Petro Dolphin?

Eleven Indian seafarers were on board. Nine were rescued and two are missing.

Were Indians hurt on MT Valthera?

No. All 11 Indian crew members on MT Valthera were reported safe after the projectile strike and fire.