Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Two Indian sailors remain missing after a drone attack on a tanker carrying 11 Indian crew members near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. Nine sailors were rescued following the incident, while efforts are underway to trace the missing crew members.
The attack took place near Oman’s port of Sohar and involved the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin. The identity of those responsible for the attack has not yet been established.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Indian authorities were coordinating with local agencies to locate the missing sailors. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is also monitoring the situation and remains in contact with the concerned authorities.
The incident comes amid reports of attacks on three vessels carrying Indian crew members in the region over the past three days.
In another incident on Sunday, the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT Valthera was reportedly hit by a drone or missile in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fire onboard. The vessel was also carrying 11 Indian sailors.
Sonowal said the government was in contact with the company managing the vessel and was closely monitoring the safety of the crew.
India has called for an immediate halt to attacks on ships, stressing the importance of protecting seafarers and ensuring the safety of maritime operations in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
