Middle East conflict: Two Ships with 22 Indian sailors attacked in Strait of Hormuz, two missing

Two Indian seafarers are reported missing after attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while the remaining 20 crew members are reported safe, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.

The MT Petro Dolphin was reportedly struck by a drone on Sunday, leaving two of the 11 Indian crew members on board missing. The MT Valthera, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker carrying another 11 Indian seafarers, was hit by an unidentified projectile that triggered a fire. All 11 crew members aboard the second vessel were reported safe, the ministry said.

The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities and the respective ship management companies to help locate the missing sailors and provide assistance to the crews, the MEA said.

New Delhi condemned the attacks on commercial vessels on October 11, warning that further strikes could worsen an already volatile regional situation.

“The safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the Government of India,” the ministry said, describing the recurring attacks on commercial shipping in the region as “deeply concerning”.

India called for immediate de-escalation and a resolution to the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. It also said attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must stop, and stressed that freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways must be upheld in accordance with international law.