Oil Tanker Carrying 22 Indian Crew Members Attacked Near Sharjah All Safe: Sonowal
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirms the safety of all Indian crew members aboard Panama flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 and says authorities are monitoring the situation.
NEW DELHI, Oct 10: A Panama flagged crude oil tanker, MT GEM NO. 2, carrying 22 Indian nationals was targeted in a drone attack at Sharjah Anchorage on October 9, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Saturday.
Confirming the incident in a post on X, Sonowal said all 22 Indian seafarers aboard the vessel had been reported safe, providing relief amid concerns over maritime security in the region.
The minister said the authorities were closely monitoring developments and maintaining communication with the ship management company to ensure the crew’s safety.
Sonowal expressed relief over the well being of the Indian nationals and reiterated that the situation was being monitored continuously.
The incident has drawn attention to the safety of merchant vessels and seafarers operating in waters around the Gulf, a strategically important region for international energy shipments.
Indian nationals form a significant part of the global maritime workforce, making the protection of seafarers an important priority for the government whenever security incidents affect commercial shipping.
Further updates on the circumstances of the attack and any damage to the tanker were not immediately provided in the minister’s statement.
