India’s Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) on Monday called for an urgent update regarding two Indian seafarers who remain unaccounted for following a drone attack on the commercial tanker MT Petro Dolphin in the Strait of Hormuz region. The union demanded clarity on the whereabouts of the missing crew members and urged authorities to provide support to their families.
The MT Petro Dolphin, a Nicaragua-flagged vessel, was struck near Sohar Anchorage, Oman, on October 11. Among the 11 Indian sailors onboard, Bir Bahadur Yadav and Amit Singh were reported missing after the incident. The FSUI highlighted concerns about the safety of seafarers working in this strategically sensitive and volatile maritime corridor.
The Indian Embassy in Oman has confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with relevant authorities. According to the Embassy, efforts are ongoing to ascertain the condition and location of the missing sailors.
Separately, on Sunday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned recent attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Alongside the drone assault on MT Petro Dolphin, the MEA reported another incident involving the MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker. The MT Valthera was hit by an unidentified projectile, causing a fire onboard, but all 11 Indian crew members on that vessel were reported safe.
In its statement, the MEA emphasized that ensuring the safety and security of Indian seafarers remains a top priority. The ministry expressed grave concern over the recurring attacks on commercial shipping in the region, warning that such incidents could exacerbate the already tense security environment.
Indian diplomatic channels, including the Embassy in Muscat, are coordinating closely with Omani authorities and ship management companies to facilitate rescue operations for the missing sailors and provide assistance to the affected crews. India reiterated its call for de-escalation and the pursuit of a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflicts that threaten maritime security.
The MEA also underscored the importance of protecting commercial vessels, seafarers, and civilian infrastructure. It reaffirmed the commitment to uphold the freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted flow of maritime trade in accordance with international law.
Attacks on commercial shipping pose significant risks not only to human lives but also to global trade, given the crucial role of the Strait of Hormuz as a key waterway for energy and goods transit. The recent incidents draw renewed attention to the heightened security challenges faced by vessels operating in this region.