On October 11, a drone strike hit the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin in Sohar Anchorage in Oman, leaving two Indian seamen missing. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has requested an urgent report on their whereabouts and has asked authorities to assist their families.
Bir Bahadur Yadav and Amit Singh have been recognised as the two crew members who went missing. The event took place in the Strait of Hormuz, where attacks on commercial vessels have prompted concerns about the safety of crews working on international trade routes.
The Indian Embassy in Oman has confirmed that it is closely following the situation and maintains in communication with the appropriate authorities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also called for a halt to commercial vessel strikes and advocated diplomatic efforts to resolve the larger crisis.
Indian Seafarers Missing After MT Petro Dolphin Attack
The FSUI has requested quick clarity regarding the two missing Indian crew members following the attack on the MT Petro Dolphin. The union brought up the matter in a post on X, stressing the necessity for information on seafarers and help for their families.
The tanker was carrying Indian crew members when it was hit near Oman’s Sohar Anchorage on October 11. The union recognised Yadav and Singh as the two missing sailors and advocated for increased protection for those working on vessels in the region.
According to the Indian Embassy in Oman, two of the 11 Indian seamen aboard the MT Petro Dolphin are missing. It further stated that officials were in close and ongoing contact with the relevant authorities as they monitored the case.
The MEA also acknowledged the missing crew members in a statement released on Sunday. According to the ministry, the Indian Embassy in Muscat is working with Omani authorities and appropriate ship management organisations to assist in the search for missing seafarers and Indian crew members.
The statements contained no further information about Yadav and Singh’s whereabouts.
Indian Seafarers Missing as MEA Raises Shipping Safety Concerns
The MEA also reported a further incident with the tanker MT Valthera, which was flying the Marshall Islands flag. The vessel was struck by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire.
The government reported that all 11 Indian sailors aboard the MT Valthera were safe. The statement addressed both accidents while emphasising the dangers posed by commercial vessels sailing in the Strait of Hormuz.
The government stated that the safety and security of Indian sailors remained a priority. It further cautioned that further attacks on commercial vessels could exacerbate an already volatile situation.
India has advocated for a cessation in hostilities and a diplomatic solution to the current crisis. The MEA highlighted the importance of protecting commercial vessels, seafarers, and civilian infrastructure from attack.
The ministry also highlighted the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring the safe, uninterrupted movement of marine trade through international waterways in accordance with international law.
For the time being, the primary focus is on finding the two missing crew members from the MT Petro Dolphin. The Indian Embassy is still coordinating with the necessary authorities, while FSUI is requesting an urgent update on their status and assistance for their families.
The events involving MT Petro Dolphin and MT Valthera have revived concerns about the safety of Indian sailors operating on commercial ships in the region.
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