TWO merchant vessels with 22 Indian crew members came under attack in Strait of Hormuz triggering a strong condemnation by India. First ship, MT Petro Dolphin was reportedly struck by a drone on Sunday, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). “We condemn the attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region on October 11. MT PETRO DOLPHIN was reportedly struck by a drone, with two of the 11 Indian seafarers onboard reported missing,” it said. “MT VALTHERA, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, was struck by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire onboard.

 

All 11 Indian seafarers onboard MTVALTHERA are reported to be safe,” it said. The MEA said the Embassy of India in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities and respective ship management companies for the rescue of missing Indians and to provide all possible assistance to the Indian crew. “The safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the Government of India. The recurring attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning and risk further aggravating an already volatile situation,” the MEA said.