Two Indian seafarers missing, nine rescued; Sonwal says after drone attack on tanker at Sohar Anchorage.

A tanker located in the Sohar anchorage of Oman’s major port city has recently been attacked by a drone, heightening concerns over international maritime security. According to Indian Shipping Minister Himant Kumar Sonawalla, two of the eleven Indian maritime crew members working on the tanker are still missing, while the rescue team successfully saved nine. The rescued sailors were immediately given first aid and arrangements are being made to bring them back to their home country.

This incident has reignited debate over regional security. Sohar anchorage, a strategic stopover for large oil and gas tankers, has been affected in recent months by various drone and improvised weapon attacks. Under international maritime law, all vessels are required to adopt appropriate security measures to ensure safe navigation, yet such attacks are often carried out by unknown groups or state‑backed organizations. The Indian Navy responded immediately to the incident by deploying its submarine and aviation forces in the area and pledged to accelerate the investigation in cooperation with maritime security agencies.

Sonawalla said that India prioritizes the safety of its citizens and will take all necessary steps to strengthen international cooperation against such attacks. He also stated that all available resources are being used in the search for the two missing Indian maritime crew members, with hopes for their safe return. Meanwhile, the international maritime community has taken the incident seriously, emphasizing the need to secure shipping lanes and develop a collective strategy against drone‑based threats.