All 22 Indian crew members aboard the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 were reported safe after a drone attack at 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 October 10, stating that the government was monitoring the situation and coordinating with the vessel’s management company.
Government Monitoring the Situation
According to the minister, all 22 Indian seafarers aboard the tanker were safe following the incident. Sonowal said the government was maintaining contact with the ship management company to ensure the crew’s safety and well-being.
However, the minister did not identify those responsible for the reported drone attack. Details regarding the extent of damage to the vessel were also not provided in his statement.
Sharjah Anchorage is a maritime anchorage in the UAE, where commercial vessels can remain positioned offshore. The incident has drawn attention to the security risks faced by merchant vessels operating in the region.
Growing Concerns Over Maritime Security
The incident comes amid wider concerns about attacks on commercial shipping and threats to seafarers in the Gulf region and the Black Sea. Such incidents have raised questions about the safety of international shipping routes and the protection of civilian crews.
India has been advocating greater international cooperation to improve maritime security and protect commercial vessels and seafarers from attacks.
India Calls for International Cooperation
India and Liberia have also been working together through the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, an initiative launched to strengthen international coordination on maritime safety.
The group seeks to bring countries and maritime stakeholders together to address threats to commercial shipping and improve the security of seafarers.
The reported attack on MT GEM NO. 2 highlights the importance of continued monitoring and coordination between governments, shipping companies and international maritime stakeholders. For now, the safety of all 22 Indian crew members has been confirmed, while further details about the incident remain limited.