Key Highlights Liberia-flagged LPG tanker M.T. Al Maryah was reportedly hit by a drone. The incident took place while the vessel was sailing eastbound outside the Strait of Hormuz. Nine Indian nationals were among the 19 crew members onboard. All crew members were confirmed safe. The tanker suffered no major damage and its main engine and power remained operational. The vessel is now safely anchored at Khor Fakkan. Indian authorities are monitoring other vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf. What Happened to the M.T. Al Maryah? The Liberia-flagged LPG tanker M.T. Al Maryah was reportedly hit by a drone while sailing eastbound in waters outside the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, September 20. According to a report prepared by the Directorate of Maritime Administration, the vessel did not suffer any major damage in the incident. Its power systems and main engine remained operational following the reported attack. The tanker subsequently reached Khor Fakkan, where it is currently anchored safely. The incident comes amid heightened maritime security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf, an important route for commercial shipping and energy transportation. Are the Indian Crew Members Safe? Yes. All 19 crew members aboard M.T. Al Maryah were confirmed safe following the incident. Nine of the crew members are Indian nationals. No casualties were reported in connection with the reported drone strike on the vessel. The fact that the vessel's main engine and power systems continued to operate also allowed the tanker to reach a safe anchorage at Khor Fakkan. Authorities continue to monitor the situation involving Indian seafarers and vessels operating in and around the Persian Gulf. How Many Indian Seafarers Are in the Region? The latest maritime administration report said six Indian-flagged vessels and seven foreign-flagged vessels of Indian interest were in the Persian Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz. Together, these vessels had 145 Indian seafarers onboard. Authorities have also identified nine vessels of Indian interest for possible evacuation from the area. Seven of the vessels identified for evacuation are carrying fertiliser cargo, while the remaining two are carrying other cargo. The figures underline the importance of monitoring commercial vessels with Indian crew members as maritime security concerns continue in the region. What Is the Maritime Security Situation? The reported drone strike involving M.T. Al Maryah is the latest incident involving commercial shipping in the region. According to the Directorate of Maritime Administration report, four incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels and 58 involving foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian crew have been reported so far. These incidents have resulted in 10 confirmed fatalities and 12 injuries, with one additional death presumed. Despite the M.T. Al Maryah incident, authorities reported no new operational safety or security incident involving Indian vessels or Indian seafarers on Sunday. What Happens to M.T. Al Maryah Now? M.T. Al Maryah remains anchored safely at Khor Fakkan, with its crew accounted for and its main operational systems functioning. Indian maritime authorities are continuing to monitor vessels of Indian interest operating in the Persian Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz. The situation remains under observation as authorities assess maritime security risks and possible evacuation requirements. Timeline of M.T. Al Maryah Drone Incident September 20, 2026: M.T. Al Maryah was reportedly hit by a drone while sailing eastbound outside the Strait of Hormuz. After the incident: The tanker was reported to have suffered no major damage. Following the attack: Its power and main engine remained operational. After reaching safety: The vessel anchored at Khor Fakkan. September 21, 2026: Authorities confirmed that all 19 crew members, including nine Indians, were safe. Current status: Maritime authorities continue to monitor Indian vessels and seafarers in the region.
