Oman tanker attack: Union seeks 'urgent status update' on two Indian seafarers missing after drone strike

Two Indian seafarers remain missing following a drone attack on a commercial tanker near Oman's Sohar Anchorage, prompting a maritime workers' union to seek an immediate update on their whereabouts as Indian authorities coordinate efforts to locate them.

The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) on Monday (October 12) identified the missing crew members as Bir Bahadur Yadav and Amit Singh, who were aboard the Nicaragua-flagged MT Petro Dolphin when it came under attack on October 11.

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The union called for urgent confirmation of their status, assistance for their families and stronger measures to protect merchant sailors operating in the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz region.

"Awaiting urgent status update on 2 missing Indian seafarers from MT Petro Dolphin. The Nicaragua-flagged tanker was hit by a drone attack on 11 Oct at Sohar Anchorage, Oman. 12 crew onboard 2 remain missing Bir Bahadur Yadav & Amit Singh. How many warnings from your side @CENTCOM???? FSUI calls for immediate confirmation of their status, full support for families & protection of seafarers in the region," the union said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Oman said it was tracking developments and remained in contact with the relevant authorities.

"The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation concerning MT PETRO DOLPHIN, a Nicaragua-flagged tanker. Two of the 11 Indian seafarers onboard are reported missing. The Embassy is in close and continuous contact with the concerned authorities," the Embassy said in a post on X.

The latest appeal follows a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday condemning attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region. The ministry confirmed that two of the 11 Indian crew members aboard MT Petro Dolphin had been reported missing after the drone strike.

The MEA also disclosed a separate attack involving MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, which caught fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile. All 11 Indian seafarers aboard that vessel were reported safe.

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"The safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the Government of India. The recurring attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning and risk further aggravating an already volatile situation," the MEA said.

According to the ministry, the Indian Embassy in Muscat is working with Omani authorities and the ship management companies concerned to assist in locating the missing sailors and extend support to Indian crew members.

New Delhi also renewed its appeal for restraint and a diplomatic settlement to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, warning against further attacks on civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping.

"Attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease. Freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways, in accordance with international law, must be upheld," the MEA said.

(ANI inputs)