Archive · 10 Oct 2026
All 22 Indian Seafarers Safe After Tanker Attack Near Sharjah
A tanker called MT GEM NO.
2 was attacked near Sharjah on October 9.
It was carrying crude oil and had 22 Indian sailors on board.
India’s shipping minister said all the sailors were safe.
UKMTO said an unknown projectile hit the ship and caused a fire, which was put out.
The reports describe the incident as a drone attack, but they do not say who was responsible.
Officials said they were watching the situation and speaking with the ship’s management company.
A seafarers’ union leader called for a government crisis team to help protect crews.
India and Liberia have also called for countries to work together to improve safety for ships and sailors.
Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 was attacked at Sharjah Anchorage on October 9.
The vessel had 22 Indian seafarers aboard; Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said all were safe.
UKMTO reported the tanker was struck by an unknown projectile about 13 nautical miles west of the UAE coast; an onboard fire was extinguished.
Authorities said they were monitoring the situation and contacting the ship management company; the articles do not identify who carried out the attack.
Seafarers’ union leader Manoj Yadav called for a high-level crisis team, while India and Liberia have promoted international cooperation on maritime safety.
- Who
- The crew of 22 Indian seafarers aboard MT GEM NO. 2; Sarbananda Sonowal said all were safe.
- What
- The tanker was attacked, described in reports as a drone attack; UKMTO reported an unknown projectile strike and an extinguished onboard fire.
- When
- October 9; Sonowal reported the crew’s safety on Saturday, October 10.
- Where
- Sharjah Anchorage, in the United Arab Emirates; UKMTO placed the strike about 13 nautical miles west of the UAE coast.
- Why
- The articles do not state why the tanker was attacked.
Union’s crisis-response proposal
Government’s cooperation approach
How to strengthen seafarer protection
Union’s crisis-response proposal
Manoj Yadav urged the creation of a high-level crisis management team under the Prime Minister, bringing together the defence establishment, Navy and shipping industry to assess threats.
Government’s cooperation approach
India’s Ministry of External Affairs described the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers as a way to coordinate countries and maritime stakeholders and strengthen international cooperation.
- Vessel
- MT GEM NO. 2, a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker
- Attack date
- October 9, 2026
- Crew
- 22 Indian seafarers; all were reported safe
- Reported attack
- Articles described a drone attack; UKMTO reported an unknown projectile
- Reported location
- Sharjah Anchorage; UKMTO said the vessel was struck about 13 nautical miles west of the UAE coast
- Reported damage
- UKMTO reported an onboard fire that was extinguished
- Union proposal
- FSUI General Secretary Manoj Yadav called for a high-level crisis management team under the Prime Minister
- International initiative
- The Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers held its first meeting in New York, co-chaired by India and Liberia, with 25 countries participating
Sources
22 Indians evacuated as drone strikes Panama-flagged tanker off Sharjah
All 22 Indian sailors safe after drone attack on oil tanker off Sharjah, says Sonowal - Telegraph India
Tanker with 22 Indian crew attacked at Sharjah Anchorage, all safe
22 Indian Seafarers Safe After Drone Attack On Crude Oil Tanker At Sharjah Anchorage: Sonowal
All 22 Indian Seafarers Safe After Drone Attack On Panama-Flagged Crude Oil Tanker At Sharjah Anchorage
All 22 Indian seafarers safe in attack on Panama-flagged tanker off UAE coast
"High-level crisis team under PM needed": Seafarers’ Union petitions Govt after Sharjah tanker attack
All 22 Indian Seafarers Safe After Drone Attack on Tanker Near Sharjah
