All 22 Indian Crew Members Safe After Drone Attack On Panama-Flagged Tanker Off UAE Coast

Oil Tanker Attack Near Sharjah: All 22 Indian Seafarers Safe After Drone Strike on Panama-Flagged MT GEM NO. 2 Off UAE Coast, Says Sarbananda Sonowal

All 22 Indian crew members aboard the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 were reported safe following a drone attack near Sharjah Anchorage in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on October 9, 2026. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the development on Saturday, October 10, bringing relief to the families of the seafarers and the Indian maritime community.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of commercial vessels operating in the Gulf region, where rising maritime security risks have threatened shipping routes and energy transportation. The Sharjah drone attack is also drawing attention to the need for stronger coordination among governments, maritime authorities and shipping companies to protect civilian crews.

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According to Sonowal, the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with the ship management company to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the crew. <Cite refs={[“turn612616news7″,”turn612616search0”]}/>

What Happened to MT GEM NO. 2?

The oil tanker attack took place while MT GEM NO. 2 was at Sharjah Anchorage in the Arabian Gulf, off the UAE coast. The vessel was carrying 22 Indian nationals when it was reportedly struck by a drone on October 9.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which provides maritime security information and warnings to commercial shipping, reported that a vessel had been struck by an unknown projectile approximately 13 nautical miles west of Al Jazeera. The incident reportedly caused a fire onboard, which was subsequently extinguished.

UKMTO initially stated that the crew’s condition, the extent of the damage and the potential environmental impact were not yet known. Subsequent reports identified the vessel as MT GEM NO. 2, citing shipping and maritime security sources.

Although all 22 Indian seafarers were later reported safe, details concerning the full extent of the vessel’s damage and the circumstances surrounding the strike remained limited in the initial reports. Authorities were investigating the incident, and no confirmed attribution for the attack had been announced. <Cite refs={[“turn612616news16″,”turn612616search8”]}/>

Sarbananda Sonowal Confirms Crew Safety

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that all Indian seafarers aboard the tanker were safe and that the government was maintaining close contact with the ship’s management.

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His statement highlighted the importance of protecting Indian nationals working in international waters, particularly during periods of heightened geopolitical tension. Indian seafarers serve on vessels operating under different national flags and play an important role in maintaining global shipping networks.

The government’s response involves monitoring developments, coordinating with relevant stakeholders and ensuring that the crew receives the assistance it needs. The immediate priority remains the welfare of the 22 Indian nationals and the safe management of the affected vessel.

The confirmation that the Indian seafarers were safe offered reassurance, although the broader security implications of the incident remain significant.

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