TWO SHIPS STRUCK IN HORMUZ, TWO INDIAN SAILORS MISSING AS NEW DELHI CONDEMNS ESCALATING ASSAULTS ON COMMERCIAL SHIPPING
October 12, 2026
Two Indian seafarers have gone missing following separate attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while the remaining 20 Indian crew members aboard the two ships have been reported safe, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday. The incidents, which occurred on October 11, have intensified concerns over the safety of Indian maritime workers as the conflict in the Middle East continues to threaten commercial shipping through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
The first incident involved the MT Petro Dolphin, which was reportedly struck by a drone on Sunday. The vessel was carrying 11 Indian seafarers when the attack occurred, leaving two crew members missing. The circumstances surrounding their disappearance were not immediately clear, and efforts are under way to establish their whereabouts.
A second vessel, the MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker carrying another 11 Indian seafarers, was hit by an unidentified projectile. The impact triggered a fire aboard the ship, raising immediate concerns for the safety of its crew. All 11 Indian seafarers on board were subsequently reported safe.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with the Omani authorities and the respective ship management companies to locate the two missing sailors and provide assistance to the affected crews. The Indian government is monitoring developments as search and rescue efforts continue.
New Delhi strongly condemned the attacks on commercial vessels, warning that repeated strikes could further destabilise an already volatile regional situation. The MEA described the incidents as deeply concerning and reiterated that safeguarding Indian seafarers remains a priority for the government.
India called for immediate de-escalation and urged all parties to pursue a resolution to the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. It stressed that attacks on commercial ships, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease, warning that such incidents threaten not only the lives of those directly involved but also the stability of international maritime commerce.
The government also emphasised the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and ensuring the safe, unimpeded movement of commercial shipping through international waterways in accordance with international law. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor for global energy supplies, making any disruption to shipping a concern for countries dependent on secure international trade routes.
The latest attacks add to a growing series of incidents affecting merchant vessels and Indian maritime personnel across the wider Middle East conflict zone. For India, the immediate priority is to locate the two missing seafarers, ensure the safety of other Indian nationals operating in the region and coordinate with maritime authorities to assist affected crews.
With two sailors still unaccounted for and investigations into the attacks continuing, the incidents have renewed calls for stronger protection of commercial shipping and an urgent reduction in regional hostilities. New Delhi has reiterated that civilian seafarers must not become casualties of the conflict and that international maritime routes must remain safe for navigation.
