Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Saturday that all 22 Indian crew members aboard the Panama-flagged tanker MT GEM NO. 2 are safe after a drone attack near Sharjah Anchorage, off the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Friday (October 9). In a post on X, he said Indian authorities are in touch with the ship management company to ensure the security and well-being of the crew.
“On Oct 9, Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2, carrying a crew of 22 Indian nationals, was subjected to a drone attack at Sharjah Anchorage. I am relieved to share that all 22 of our Indian seafarers onboard are reported to be completely safe,” Sonowal said.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation and in contact with the ship management company to ensure security and wellbeing of our seafarers,” he added.
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What UKMTO said
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel was hit by an unknown projectile about 13 nautical miles west off the UAE coast. The attack caused a fire on board, which was extinguished.
Concern over attacks on shipping
The incident comes amid repeated attacks on commercial ships and seafarers in the Gulf region and the Black Sea. India, along with several other countries, has called for greater international cooperation to protect maritime trade and crew safety.
On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the importance of the newly formed Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers (GoF on S4). The group aims to strengthen international cooperation on the safety of seafarers and commercial shipping.
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