On October 9, 2026, a drone struck the Panamanian-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM No. 2 while it was at the Sharjah anchorage.
The tanker carried a crew of twenty-two Indian nationals. These crew members are Indian citizens.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has said that Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM Number, 2, carrying a crew of 22 Indian nationals, was subjected to a drone attack at Sharjah Anchorage on October 9. https://t.co/dEOwEr4EC3
India’s Central Shipping Minister, Sarbanand Sonwal, used the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to state that all Indian sailors on board were safe. His Hindi message, translated, reads: "I feel relieved to say that all our 22 Indian sailors on board the ship are completely safe."
The incident is described as highlighting ongoing challenges to regional security and maritime transportation.
The Government of India is continuously monitoring the situation and is in contact with the ship’s management company to ensure the safety and well‑being of the crew.
The incident is described as highlighting ongoing challenges to regional security and maritime transportation.
As of the information provided, the twenty‑two Indian sailors aboard MT GEM No. 2 have been confirmed safe, and the Indian government continues to monitor the situation.