Drone Strike on Oil Tanker: 22 Indian Seafarers Safe
MT GEM No.2 was targeted at Sharjah Anchorage, UAE, amid rising attacks in the Arabian Gulf and Black Sea.
A drone attack targeted a crude oil tanker carrying 22 Indian crew members while anchored near Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The vessel, identified as the MT GEM No. 2 and sailing under the Panamanian flag, was struck at the Sharjah Anchorage in the Arabian Gulf on 9 October.
The Indian government confirmed that all seafarers on board remained unharmed. In a statement posted on social media platform X, officials assured the public that authorities were actively monitoring the situation and maintaining direct communication with the ship’s management company to ensure the crew’s safety.
Rising Threats to Maritime Security: Seafarers
The incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating attacks on commercial shipping in key regions. Recent weeks have seen a sharp increase in maritime threats, particularly in the Gulf region and the Black Sea, raising alarms among global stakeholders. These disruptions have led to delays at ports, supply shortages, and heightened risks for civilian seafarers.
Brent Crude
In response, India and Liberia launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers (GoF on S4) during the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The coalition, co-chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, held its first meeting in New York with 25 countries in attendance.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized the group’s objective: to create a platform for nations to address maritime security challenges and develop practical solutions. The initiative aims to prevent further disruptions to global shipping while prioritizing the protection of seafarers’ lives.
Call for International Cooperation
During the inaugural meeting, India and Liberia issued a joint statement condemning the recent attacks as unjustifiable. They also extended condolences to families of seafarers who had lost their lives in previous incidents. Both nations stressed that such violence undermines maritime trade, regional stability, and the safety of those working at sea.
With India supplying nearly 10% of the world’s seafarers, the country has a significant stake in safeguarding maritime routes. The latest attack on the MT GEM No. 2 underscores the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to protect commercial shipping and ensure the security of crews navigating high-risk waters.
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