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India Condemns Ship Attacks As Two Seafarers Go Missing (Img: X)
New Delhi: India on Sunday condemned attacks on two merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, with two crew members reported missing from one ship.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern over the repeated targeting of commercial shipping, warning that such incidents could further worsen the already volatile situation in the region.
In a statement, the ministry said the attacks took place on October 11, 2026. The incidents involved MT PETRO DOLPHIN, reportedly hit by a drone, and MT VALTHERA, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker struck by an unidentified projectile.
"We condemn the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region on 11 October 2026. MT PETRO DOLPHIN was reportedly struck by a drone, with two of the 11 Indian seafarers onboard reported missing," it said.
The ministry said MT VALTHERA caught fire after being hit by an unknown projectile. All 11 Indian seafarers aboard the tanker were reported safe.
"MT VALTHERA, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, was struck by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire onboard. All 11 Indian seafarers onboard MT VALTHERA are reported to be safe. The Embassy of India in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities and respective ship management companies for the rescue of missing Indians and to provide all possible assistance to the Indian crew," it added.
Statement on the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region ⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/SqBo213LvT https://t.co/t4zJMeZSdZ
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 11, 2026
The Indian embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities and the ship management companies to locate the missing crew members and provide assistance to the Indian seafarers.
The MEA reiterated that the safety and security of Indian seafarers remained a priority for the government. It called for an immediate reduction in hostilities and a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.
"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," it said.
"India reiterates the need for immediate de-escalation and a resolution to the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. 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," it added.
The latest incidents come amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, where Indian nationals have faced growing security risks. On Saturday, 11 Indians were injured when Riyadh airport came under attack. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia announced a day later that one of the injured had died.
The embassy in Riyadh said it had been following up on the attack and remained in contact with local authorities and hospital officials to check on the condition of the injured Indians.
