Drone Strike Sets Tanker Ablaze Off Oman: 2 Indian Sailors Missing as Dramatic
In a harrowing maritime assault underscoring the escalating dangers facing commercial shipping in the Middle East, the oil tanker 'MT Petro Dolphin' was struck by an explosive drone at the Sohar anchorage off the coast of Oman on October 11, leaving two Indian sailors missing. The targeted vessel was manned by an 11-member crew composed entirely of Indian nationals when the strike ignited a fierce onboard fire. Disclosing details of the incident on Monday, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that while nine Indian crew members were swiftly evacuated and are now safe, multi-agency search and rescue missions are actively scouring the maritime zone to locate the two missing personnel. The minister noted that Indian diplomatic representatives and maritime authorities are maintaining continuous liaison with Omani emergency agencies and local port administrations to ensure all possible operational resources are dedicated toward tracing the missing seafarers.
Dramatic Video Emerges as Tanker Engulfed in Flames
Chilling video footage captured by sailors aboard a nearby vessel surfaced on social media platform X through maritime tracker Marine Tanks, documenting the terrifying aftermath of the strike in real time. The video shows thick plumes of dense black smoke billowing high above the waterline as massive orange fireballs and flames erupt from the superstructure and deck of the MT Petro Dolphin. Highlighting the government's coordinated response, Minister Sonowal emphasized that the Indian Embassy is monitoring developments around the clock and extending full operational assistance to Omani coast guard units to guarantee an exhaustive search. The swift evacuation of the nine crew members prevented a higher human toll, but the attack has reignited acute panic among commercial merchant navy fleets navigating strategic waters in the Gulf region.
Second Strike Within Days: MEA Urges Safe Passage for Maritime Trade
The assault on the MT Petro Dolphin marks the second major violent strike on merchant shipping involving Indian maritime personnel within just six days. On October 6, the Panama-flagged commercial vessel 'MT On Peace' came under heavy weapon fire while transiting the sensitive waters of the Strait of Hormuz, an attack that wounded 12 crew members, including 11 Indians among the 17 Indian nationals aboard. Responding decisively to the recurring threats, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lodged strong objections and voiced profound concern over the persistent targeting of merchant vessels, innocent seafarers, and civilian maritime corridors off the Omani coastline. Reaffirming New Delhi's stance, the Government of India called for an immediate cessation of hostilities against commercial shipping, stressing that international waters must remain secure and unimpeded to preserve the stability of global supply chains and protect the lives of mariners.
