Two Indian seafarers remain missing after a drone attack targeted the tanker MT PETRO DOLPHIN at Sohar Anchorage, while nine other Indian crew members have been rescued safely, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.

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The incident occurred on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and involved a tanker carrying 11 Indian seafarers. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of Indian maritime workers operating in waters affected by regional security tensions.

In a post on social media platform X, Sonowal confirmed that nine crew members had been successfully rescued and were safe. However, two Indian nationals remained unaccounted for following the incident.

According to the minister, local Coast Guard authorities were actively conducting search-and-rescue operations to locate the missing seafarers. The operation was continuing as authorities worked to establish their whereabouts.

The tanker’s reported involvement in a drone attack has drawn attention to the risks faced by commercial vessels and their crews in strategically important maritime locations. Such incidents can threaten seafarers’ lives and disrupt shipping activities.

Indian authorities are monitoring the situation, with the immediate priority being the safe recovery of the two missing crew members. Further information about the circumstances of the attack, including the source of the drone and the extent of any damage to the vessel, was not provided in the initial announcement.

The incident highlights the importance of maritime security and coordinated rescue efforts when commercial ships come under attack.

For now, the search operation remains crucial as authorities continue efforts to locate the missing Indian nationals and establish the full details of the incident.