Two Indian seafarers are missing and nine have been rescued after a drone attack on a tanker at Sohar Anchorage, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Sunday, 11 October 2026, The Hindu reported.
Quick Facts
| Vessel | Tanker MT Petro Dolphin |
| Indian seafarers on board | 11 |
| Rescued | 9, “safe” |
| Missing | 2 Indian nationals |
| Date of attack | 11 October 2026 |
| Search | Local Coast Guard |
What the Minister Said
In a post on X, Sonowal said the tanker “was subjected to a drone attack at Sohar Anchorage”. Nine Indian crew members were “successfully rescued and are safe”, while two Indian nationals “currently remain missing”.
He said search-and-rescue operations were “actively underway by the local Coast Guard”. “We are continuously coordinating with all relevant authorities to fully support the ongoing rescue efforts and ensure every possible action is taken to safely locate our missing personnel,” he said.
What Is Not Known
The Hindu’s report did not say who launched the drone or whether the vessel’s other crew members, if any, were affected. It also did not give the names of the missing seafarers.
Why It Matters
The minister’s statement says India is in contact with the local authorities as the search continues. Further updates on the two missing seafarers are likely.
Featured image: A crude oil tanker (file photo; not MT Petro Dolphin). Photo by Jordanroderick, licensed under CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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