MEA calls for immediate de-escalation as nine crew members are rescued from drone-hit tanker; all 11 Indian seafarers aboard MT Valthera reported safe
NEW DELHI: India has condemned attacks on two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region on October 11, 2026, including a drone strike on the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin that left two Indian seafarers missing. The government has called for an immediate de-escalation of the ongoing conflict and urged all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said MT Petro Dolphin was reportedly struck by a drone, with two of the 11 Indian seafarers on board reported missing. Meanwhile, the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT Valthera was hit by an unidentified projectile, triggering a fire on board. All 11 Indian crew members aboard MT Valthera were reported safe.
The 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 assist in locating the missing seafarers and provide necessary support to the Indian crew.
“The safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the Government of India,” the ministry said, expressing concern that recurring attacks on commercial shipping could further aggravate an already volatile situation.
India also called for an immediate cessation of attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure, stressing that freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded movement of maritime commerce through international waterways must be upheld in accordance with international law.
Nine seafarers rescued from MT Petro Dolphin
Earlier, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said nine Indian crew members aboard MT Petro Dolphin had been rescued and were safe, while search-and-rescue operations were continuing to locate the two missing seafarers.
According to Sonowal, the tanker, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was subjected to a drone attack at Sohar Anchorage on October 11. The local Coast Guard was conducting search-and-rescue operations, with Indian authorities coordinating with relevant agencies to support the efforts.
The Embassy of India in Oman also confirmed that it was in close and continuous contact with the concerned authorities regarding the incident.
In a separate update, Sonowal said MT Valthera, which was also carrying 11 Indian seafarers, had been struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz region, causing a fire on board. All crew members were reported safe.
Third tanker attack raises maritime security concerns
The latest incidents follow another attack on October 9, when the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2, carrying 22 Indian nationals, was targeted in a drone attack at Sharjah Anchorage. Sonowal subsequently confirmed that all 22 Indian seafarers aboard the vessel were safe.
The incidents have intensified concerns over maritime security in the Gulf region, particularly the risks faced by commercial shipping and seafarers operating in strategically important waterways.
India has also been advocating stronger international cooperation to safeguard merchant shipping 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 place the protection of commercial vessels and seafarers at the centre of international discussions.
With multiple incidents involving merchant vessels reported in the region, India has reiterated the need to protect seafarers, preserve freedom of navigation and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global maritime trade.