Drone Hits Sharjah Tanker; 22 Indians Safe

On October 9 a drone attack struck the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 at Sharjah Anchorage off the UAE. India's shipping minister said all 22 Indian crew members were reported safe. Authorities were monitoring the situation and coordinating with the ship's management company to protect the crew. UK Maritime Trade Operations separately reported that a vessel off the UAE coast was hit by an unknown projectile, causing a fire that was extinguished. UKMTO did not identify the vessel; shipping and security sources identified it as the tanker. No one had claimed responsibility. The incident comes amid broader attacks on commercial shipping as India promotes a new international group focused on the safety of vessels and seafarers.