Indian Crew Safe After Drone Hits Oil Tanker Near Sharjah
A massive Panama-flagged crude oil supertanker was targeted by a drone strike near the UAE coast on October 9, 2026, sparking a fire on board. Despite the impact, all 22 Indian crew members on the vessel have been confirmed safe.
The Attack at Sharjah Anchorage
The vessel, identified as the MT GEM NO. 2 (IMO 9735373), was operating near the Sharjah Anchorage when it was struck by what authorities identified as a drone. The incident occurred approximately 13 nautical miles west of Al Jazeera at roughly 1000 GMT.
The supertanker, which was fully laden at the time of the attack, suffered an immediate fire following the projectile impact. However, the blaze was successfully extinguished, preventing further damage to the 302,783 DWT vessel. Authorities are currently maintaining close contact with the ship's management company, Gem No.2 Maritime Corp, to monitor the situation.
Safety of Indian Seafarers Confirmed
India's Union Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed that all 22 Indian nationals on board the vessel are unharmed. This news provides a moment of relief amidst a period of heightened tension for maritime workers in the region.
Rising Maritime Security Threats
This latest incident signals a worrying expansion of maritime security risks in the Middle East. Unlike previous tensions that were largely concentrated within the traditional Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, this strike occurred in waters closer to the UAE coast.
The regional maritime landscape has become increasingly volatile following the escalation of the West Asia conflict in early 2026. Official records highlight the significant human cost