Search Continues for Missing Indian Oiler Sumit Kumar Singh After Tanker Incident

The search continues for Indian sailor Sumit Kumar Singh, who went missing following an incident on 13 September involving the Panama-flagged tanker MT El Gaia near the Strait of Hormuz.

• Missing Indian Oiler identified as Sumit Kumar Singh
• Total crew of 25 included 14 Indians and 11 Pakistanis
• Omani authorities rescued 23 crew members while two remain missing
• Search and rescue operations are ongoing in coordination with local authorities and the Indian Embassy

Details of the Crew and Rescue

The missing Indian Oiler Sumit Kumar Singh joined the vessel on 25 June 2026 at Dahej, Gujarat, and was on duty in the engine room when the ship was struck. The incident involved a total of 25 crew members, consisting of 14 Indians and 11 Pakistanis. Omani authorities successfully rescued 23 crew members, while two remain missing: Indian Oiler Sumit Kumar Singh and Pakistani Third Engineer Muhammad Hammad Obaida. The Omani Coast Guard transferred the 23 rescued personnel to a coast guard vessel and brought them to shore. According to the Oman Maritime Security Centre, the fire in the engine room was brought under control, and the tanker, which last departed from Sohar, Oman, is being towed to an Omani port.

Search Efforts and Official Responses

The Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India (FSUI) issued an appeal on 16 September for regional vessels and coast guards to maintain a vigilant lookout for the missing crew. Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on 15 September that search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing in coordination with Omani authorities and the Indian Embassy in Muscat. Reports indicate that the vessel was allegedly operating in dark mode with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) switched off. While the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation, conflicting claims have emerged; UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a hit by an unidentified projectile, Iran’s IRGC Navy claimed the ship was struck by naval mines, and U.S. sources suggested a missile and drone strike.

Emergency Contact Information

For emergencies, the Embassy of India in Muscat can be reached via its 24/7 community welfare emergency number 80071234, or the consular emergency line at +968 98282270. Further contact options include the Community Welfare Wing at [email protected] and the Consular Wing at [email protected].