Drone Strike Hits Oil Tanker off Oman, Two Indian Sailors Missing

08:45

A drone attack on an oil tanker anchored off the Omani coast has left two Indian crew members missing, while nine others have been rescued, according to information released by maritime monitoring authorities and Indian officials on Monday, October 12.

The incident occurred in the anchorage area near Sohar, on Oman’s northern coast. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which initially reported an incident in the area, subsequently classified it as an attack after confirming that a drone had struck the vessel.

The circumstances surrounding the strike, including the identity of those responsible, have not been established in the information released so far.

Rescue Operation Underway for Missing Crew Members

The tanker was carrying 11 Indian nationals. Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s minister for ports and shipping, confirmed that nine crew members had been rescued and were safe, while two remained unaccounted for.

Omani coast guard teams have launched search and rescue operations to locate the missing sailors. Indian authorities are coordinating with their Omani counterparts to support the response and assist those affected by the incident.

The immediate priority remains finding the two missing crew members, as emergency teams continue their work in the waters near Sohar.

Damage Assessment Remains Incomplete

Authorities are also working to assess the condition of the tanker following the reported impact. The extent of the damage has not yet been established, and no definitive information has been provided about possible environmental consequences.

The available information does not clarify whether the strike caused an oil spill or affected the vessel’s ability to remain safely afloat. Further assessments will be needed to determine the full impact of the incident.

The attack adds to security concerns surrounding commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman, where vessels operate close to one of the world's most strategically important maritime energy corridors.

Strategic Shipping Route Under Growing Pressure

The Gulf of Oman provides access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage connecting the Persian Gulf with international shipping routes. Large volumes of crude oil and petroleum products transit the strait, making maritime security in the surrounding waters an international economic concern.

Any attack on a commercial tanker in this area raises questions about the safety of crews, the protection of energy shipments and the potential consequences for regional maritime traffic.

For now, the focus remains on the search for the two missing Indian sailors, the assessment of damage to the tanker and the investigation into the circumstances of the drone strike.