BIG! Vessels PETRO DOLPHIN, MT VALTHERA With Indian Crews Attacked in Hormuz, MEA Condemns Strikes

A fresh attack on commercial tankers off Oman's coast has raised serious concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers and international shipping routes. Two Indian seafarers were reported missing after the Nicaraguan-flagged tanker M.T. Petrodolphin was reportedly struck by a drone at Sohar Anchorage, Oman, on October 11. According to India's Union Minister for Ports, shipping, and waterways, Sarbananda Sonawal. The tanker was carrying 11 Indian seafarers when the incident occurred. Nine Indian crew members were rescued safely, while two remained missing. Search and rescue operations were underway, with the local Coast Guard working to locate the missing sailors. The incident reportedly occurred at around 11.30 a.m. local time. The vessel was awaiting berthing at Sohar Anchorage when the attack took place. The circumstances surrounding the drone strike and the identity of those responsible were not immediately established. In a separate incident on the same day, the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, M.T. Valfera, was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fire on board. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonawal said all 11 Indian seafarers aboard M.T. Valfera were reported safe. He added that authorities were monitoring the situation and remained in contact with the ship management company to ensure the crew's safety and well-being. India's Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region. In its official statement, the ministry confirmed that two Indian seafarers aboard MT Petro Dolphin were reported missing, while all 11 Indian crew members aboard MT Valfera were reported safe. The ministry said the Indian embassy in Oman was coordinating with Omani authorities and the respective ship management companies to support rescue operations and provide assistance to the affected Indian crew. India also warned that repeated attacks on commercial shipping could further aggravate an already volatile regional situation. The government reiterated that the safety and security of Indian seafarers remained a priority. It called for immediate de-escalation and urged all parties to resolve the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The Ministry further stressed that attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease. It also called for freedom of navigation and the safe and uninterrupted flow of maritime commerce through international waterways in accordance with international law. These latest incidents came amid mounting maritime security concerns in the region. A day earlier, on October 10, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly said an oil supertanker had struck a naval mine while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fire and explosion. The vessel's identity was not disclosed in that report, and the account was attributed to Iranian sources. With multiple incidents involving commercial vessels reported within days, concerns are growing over maritime safety, disruptions to vital shipping corridors, and the potential consequences for global energy supplies and trade.