---
title: "Drone attacks oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 off Sharjah; crew safe"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/drone-attacks-oil-tanker-mt-gem-no-2-off-sharjah-crew-safe"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/drone-attacks-oil-tanker-mt-gem-no-2-off-sharjah-crew-safe"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/drone-attacks-oil-tanker-mt-gem-no-2-off-sharjah-crew-safe.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/drone-attacks-oil-tanker-mt-gem-no-2-off-sharjah-crew-safe"
category: "Conflict & Security"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-10-11T03:45:45.083Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-11T01:55:25.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-11T03:45:45.083Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 55
hype_score: 20
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-11T03:30:13.356831+00:00"
---

# Drone attacks oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 off Sharjah; crew safe

*Union minister confirms all 22 Indian seafarers aboard the Panama-flagged vessel are unharmed after a drone strike.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to named minister; two independent outlets cited; specific date and location provided.
- Craft 55 of 100, higher is better. Most reports are digests; few provide context or comment from affected parties.
- Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. Language is measured, with headlines accurately reflecting the content.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- The Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 was struck by a drone at Sharjah Anchorage on October 9.
- All 22 Indian seafarers on board the tanker were reported to be safe.
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the safety of the crew.
- The UAE National Guard announced the rescue of 22 Asian crew members following a fire on the tanker.

A drone attacked the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 on October 9 while it was at Sharjah Anchorage. The vessel carried 22 Indian seafarers, all of whom were reported to be safe following the incident. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the crew's safety. Separately, the United Arab Emirates National Guard announced the rescue of 22 Asian crew members after a fire broke out on an oil tanker in the Arabian Gulf.

## Disagreement on the cause of the incident

Reports differ on the cause of the incident. The Hindu and The Economic Times state the tanker was subjected to a drone attack. 247ureports.com reports that Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim the ship hit a naval mine, while other reports suggest a projectile or drone. Al Arabiya, fakti.bg, gCaptain, Khaleej Times, SANA, Marine Insight, defapress.ir, vz.ru, Arab News, Anadolu Ajansı, Gulf Today, Gulf News, Emirates24|7, The Hindu Business Line, India Today, and Alquds.co.uk focus on the UAE National Guard's rescue of 22 crew members after a fire broke out on the tanker.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated reports mention the UAE National Guard's announcement of rescuing 22 Asian crew members after a fire broke out on an oil tanker. None of the centre-rated reports mention Iran's claim that the ship hit a naval mine. None of the right-rated reports mention Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's confirmation of the crew's safety or the specific details of the drone attack, instead focusing on the fire and rescue operation.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 27 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 19% (5)
- Centre: 14% (4)
- Right: 67% (18)

24 of 51 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-11T03:30:13.356831+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 1 time; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-11T04:00:23.679Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated reports led with the drone attack on the MT GEM NO. 2 and the safety of its Indian crew. The Hindu, in its full report, stated that Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the safety of all 22 Indian seafarers onboard the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2, which was subjected to a drone attack at Sharjah Anchorage on October 9. The Siasat Daily and Indian Express also highlighted the drone attack and the safety of the crew. fakti.bg reported the UAE's rescue of 22 sailors from a tanker fire in the Persian Gulf. SANA reported the UAE National Guard rescuing 22 people following an oil tanker fire in the Arabian Gulf.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports focused on the drone attack and the safety of the Indian crew, as well as the broader context of maritime security. The Economic Times, in its full report, stated that Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed all 22 Indian seafarers onboard the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 were safe after the vessel was subjected to a drone attack at Sharjah Anchorage on October 9. The report also detailed India's initiative, the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, aimed at strengthening international cooperation. Greater Kashmir also reported Sonowal's confirmation of the crew's safety following the drone attack. gCaptain and Marine Insight reported on the UAE's rescue of 22 crew members after a fire broke out on an oil tanker in the Gulf, and the drone attack on the tanker respectively.

### Right

- Right-rated reports predominantly focused on the UAE National Guard's rescue of 22 crew members after a fire broke out on an oil tanker in the Arabian Gulf. Al Arabiya, Khaleej Times, Arab News, Gulf News, Emirates24|7, and Gulf Today all led with the UAE National Guard's rescue operation. Anadolu Ajansı and vz.ru also reported on the UAE's rescue of 22 individuals after a fire on an oil tanker. India Today mentioned the drone strike on the Panama-flagged tanker MT Gem 2 at Sharjah Anchorage on 9 October, with all 22 Indian crew members reported safe, and noted the incident sharpened attention on maritime security. The Hindu Business Line reported that the Seafarers’ Union urged a PM-led crisis team to shield Indian sailors amid rising drone and vessel attacks.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 2
- mixed: 15
- high: 7
- unknown: 25
- veryHigh: 2

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [247ureports.com](https://247ureports.com/2026/10/supertanker-gem-no-2-hit-off-uae-coast-iran-claims-mine-strike-others-report-projectile-or-drone-all-22-crew-safe) — Supertanker GEM NO. 2 Hit Off UAE Coast; Iran Claims Mine Strike, Others Report Projectile or Drone, All 22 Crew Safe
- [snn.ir](https://snn.ir/fa/news/1468490/%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A2%D8%AA%D8%B4-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%86-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%B4-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF) — UAE Announces Fire on Its Oil Tanker
- [defapress.ir](https://defapress.ir/fa/news/869069/%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%81-%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%86-%DB%8C%DA%A9-%DA%A9%D8%B4%D8%AA%DB%8C-%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%81-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA) — Targeting a Trespassing Ship Off the Coast of the UAE
- [express.pk](https://express.pk/story/2837493/uae-rescue-22-person-from-burned-oil-tanker-in-arabian-sea-2837493) — The Arab Gulf Has 22 People in the United Arab Emirates.
- [Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd](https://asianetnews.com/videos/news/ship-attacked-in-gulf-uae-confirms-22-rescued-videoshow-xiu2bqw) — Ship Attacked Off Gulf Coast; UAE Says 22 Rescued
- [Al Arabiya](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2026/10/10/uae-rescues-22-crew-members-after-oil-tanker-catches-fire-in-gulf) — UAE rescues 22 crew members after oil tanker catches fire in Gulf
- [Gulf Today](https://gulftoday.ae/news/2026/10/10/uae-national-guard-rescues-a-crew-of-22-from-an-oil-tankers-fire-in-the-arabian-gulf) — UAE National Guard rescues a crew of 22 from an oil tanker's fire in the Arabian Gulf
- [nafeza2world.com](https://nafeza2world.com/Akhbar-Al-Alm/2802173) — The United Arab Emirates National Guard Window Saves 22 People From a Burning Tanker.
- [tabnak.ir](https://tabnak.ir/fa/news/1398151/%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A2%D8%AA%D8%B4-%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%86-%DB%8C%DA%A9-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%B4-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF) — UAE Announces Fire on One of Its Oil Tankers
- [fakti.bg](https://fakti.bg/world/1088658-oae-spasi-22-moraci-ot-pojar-na-tanker-v-persiiskia-zaliv) — UAE Rescues 22 Sailors From Tanker Fire in Persian Gulf
- [SANA](https://sana.sy/international/2602779) — The United Arab Emirates National Guard Is Rescuing 22 People Following an Oil Tanker Fire in the Arabian Gulf.
- [Unknown](https://janoubia.com/2026/10/10/%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%AB%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%82) — A Cry for Help Under fire... the Emirates Is Rescuing 22 People After an Oil Tanker Fire in the Gulf.
- [Khaleej Times](https://khaleejtimes.com/uae/emergencies/national-guard-rescue-22-crew-members-oil-tanker-catch-fire-arabian-gulf) — UAE rescues 22 crew members after oil tanker catches fire in Arabian Gulf
- [vz.ru](https://vz.ru/news/2026/10/10/1461427.html) — The UAE Coast Guard Evacuated the Seafarers From an Inflammable Tanker.
- [Unknown](https://alquds.co.uk/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%82%D8%B0-22-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A3%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%85-%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B7) — The United Arab Emirates Is Rescuing 22 Oil Tanker Crew Members After a Fire on Board in the Bay.
- [ekonomim.com](https://ekonomim.com/dunya/bae-basra-korfezinde-yanan-bir-petrol-tankerindeki-22-kisilik-murettebati-kurtardi-haberi-923876) — UAE: Rescues 22-Person Crew From Burning Oil Tanker in the Persian Gulf.
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/guncel/basra-korfezi-nde-yanan-tankerdeki-22-kisilik-20317243-haberi) — The 22-Person Crew on Board the Tanker that Caught Fire in the Persian Gulf Was Rescued by the UAE.
- [KAYHAN LIFE](https://kayhanlife.com/news/iran/uae-rescues-22-crew-members-after-oil-tanker-catches-fire) — UAE Rescues 22 Crew Members After Oil Tanker Catches Fire
- [Arab News](https://arabnews.com/middle-east/uae-rescues-22-crew-members-from-burning-oil-tanker-in-arabian-gulf-3005648) — UAE rescues 22 crew members from burning oil tanker in Arabian Gulf
- [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-national-guard-rescues-22-people-after-oil-tanker-catches-fire-in-gulf/4084661) — UAE National Guard Rescues 22 People After Oil Tanker Catches Fire in Gulf
- [Gulf News](https://gulfnews.com/uae/uae-national-guard-rescues-22-after-oil-tanker-catches-fire-in-arabian-gulf-1.500705938) — UAE National Guard rescues 22 after oil tanker catches fire in Arabian Gulf
- [Emirates24|7](https://emirates247.com/uae/uae-national-guard-rescues-22-after-oil-tanker-fire-in-arabian-gulf-all-crew-safe/6586) — UAE National Guard Rescues 22 After Oil Tanker Fire in Arabian Gulf, All Crew Safe
- [indtoday.com](https://indtoday.com/drone-attack-on-oil-tanker-near-sharjah-all-22-indians-safe) — Drone Attack on Oil Tanker Near Sharjah, All 22 Indians Safe
- [gCaptain](https://gcaptain.com/uae-rescues-22-crew-members-after-oil-tanker-catches-fire-in-gulf) — UAE Rescues 22 Crew Members After Oil Tanker Catches Fire In Gulf
- [Marine Insight](https://marineinsight.com/oil-tanker-with-22-indian-seafarers-becomes-target-of-drone-attack-at-sharjah-anchorage) — Oil Tanker With 22 Indian Seafarers Becomes Target Of Drone Attack At Sharjah Anchorage
- [The Hindu Business Line](https://thehindubusinessline.com/news/high-level-crisis-team-under-pm-needed-seafarers-union-petitions-govt-after-sharjah-tanker-attack/article71567645.ece) — "High-level crisis team under PM needed": Seafarers’ Union petitions Govt after Sharjah tanker attack
- [namasthe telangana](https://ntnews.com/international/panama-flagged-oil-tanker-hit-in-drone-attack-off-sharjah-all-22-indian-crew-members-safe-minister-sonowal-said-2533288) — Sharjah | Drone Attack on Oil Tanker with Indian crew.. Everyone Safe
- [madhyamam.com](https://madhyamam.com/world/indians-safe-after-tanker-attack-1562047) — Drone Attack on Oil Tanker Near UAE; 22 Indian Sailors Safe, Says Minister | Indians Safe After Tanker-Attack
- [Greater Kashmir](https://greaterkashmir.com/national/oil-tanker-with-22-indian-crew-members-attacked-at-sharjah-anchorage-all-reported-safe-sonowal-12662459) — Oil tanker with 22 Indian crew members attacked at Sharjah Anchorage; all reported safe: Sonowal
- [indiandefensenews.in](https://indiandefensenews.in/2026/10/indian-crew-of-22-safe-after-drone.html) — Indian Crew of 22 Safe After Drone Strike On Oil Tanker Near Sharjah, Says Union Minister Sonowal
- [The Siasat Daily](https://siasat.com/oil-tanker-with-22-indian-crew-attacked-near-sharjah-all-safe-3554971) — Oil tanker with 22 Indian crew attacked near Sharjah; all safe
- [India Today](https://indiatoday.in/india/story/sharjah-drone-attack-22-indians-safe-panama-flagged-tanker-mt-gem-2-3013842-2026-10-10) — Panama-flagged tanker with 22 Indians hit by drone amid seafarer safety concerns
- [uttamhindu.com](https://uttamhindu.com/drone-attack-on-oil-tanker-near-sharjah-all-22-indian-sailors-on-board-safe) — Drone Attack on Oil Tanker Near Sharjah, All 22 Indian Sailors on Board Safe
- [The Hindu](https://thehindu.com/news/national/all-indian-crew-members-safe-after-oil-tanker-attacked-at-sharjah-anchorage-sarbananda-sonowal/article71567057.ece) — All Indian crew members safe after oil tanker attacked at Sharjah Anchorage: Sarbananda Sonowal
- [Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com/article/world/mt-gem-no-2-drone-attack-sharjah-22-indian-crew-safe-sonowal-10915035) — 22 Indians evacuated as drone strikes Panama-flagged tanker off Sharjah
- [Unknown](https://aajtak.in/world/story/sharjah-drone-attack-crude-oil-tanker-indian-seafarers-safe-ntc-acwi-dskc-2666262-2026-10-10) — Oil Tanker Hit by Drone Attack, All 22 Indians on Board Safe
- [India Shipping News](https://indiashippingnews.com/foreign-ports/indian-crew-of-22-safe-after-drone-attack-on-panama-flagged-oil-tanker-at-sharjah-anchorage-sonowal) — Indian crew of 22 safe after drone attack on Panama-flagged oil tanker at Sharjah Anchorage: Sonowal
- [ABP News](https://news.abplive.com/news/panama-flagged-oil-tanker-hit-in-drone-attack-uae-sharjah-anchorage-all-22-indian-crew-members-safe-1870679) — Panama-Flagged Oil Tanker Hit In Drone Attack Off Sharjah; All 22 Indian Crew Members Safe
- [rediff.com](https://rediff.com/news/report/tanker-with-22-indian-crew-attacked-at-sharjah-anchorage-all-safe/20261010.htm) — Tanker with 22 Indian crew attacked at Sharjah Anchorage, all safe
- [The Free Press Journal](https://freepressjournal.in/india/all-22-indian-seafarers-safe-after-drone-attack-on-panama-flagged-crude-oil-tanker-at-sharjah-anchorage) — All 22 Indian Seafarers Safe After Drone Attack On Panama-Flagged Crude Oil Tanker At Sharjah Anchorage
- [tv9gujarati.com](https://tv9gujarati.com/international-news/breaking-news-sharjah-oil-tanker-drone-attack-22-indians-safe-ministry-statement-1530117.html) — Breaking News: Drone Attack on Oil Tanker in Sharjah, 22 Indians Were on Board; What Did the Ministry Say?
- [Republic World](https://republicworld.com/world-news/22-indian-seafarers-safe-after-drone-attack-on-crude-oil-tanker-at-sharjah-anchorage-sonowal-2026-10-10-138624) — 22 Indian Seafarers Safe After Drone Attack On Crude Oil Tanker At Sharjah Anchorage: Sonowal
- [Deccan Chronicle](https://deccanchronicle.com/nation/world/all-22-indian-seafarers-safe-after-drone-attack-on-tanker-near-sharjah-1994580) — All 22 Indian Seafarers Safe After Drone Attack on Tanker Near Sharjah
- [Mathrubhumi](https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/indian-seafarers-safe-drone-attack-tanker-sharjah-v5ap8ifk) — Panama-flagged oil tanker hit in drone attack off Sharjah; all 22 Indian crew safe
- [sierraleonetimes.com](http://sierraleonetimes.com/news/279362912/indian-crew-of-22-safe-after-drone-attack-on-panama-flagged-oil-tanker-at-sharjah-anchorage-sonowal) — Indian crew of 22 safe after drone attack on Panama-flagged oil tanker at Sharjah Anchorage: Sonowal
- [Latestly](https://latestly.com/agency-news/world-news-indian-crew-of-22-safe-after-drone-attack-on-panama-flagged-oil-tanker-at-sharjah-anchorage-sonowal-7639175.html) — Indian Crew of 22 Safe After Drone Attack on Panama-flagged Oil Tanker at Sharjah Anchorage: Sonowal
- [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/22-indian-crew-safe-after-drone-attack-on-panama-flagged-tanker-off-sharjah/articleshow/134845805.cms) — 22 Indian crew safe after drone attack on Panama-flagged tanker off Sharjah
- [The Economic Times](https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/22-indian-crew-safe-after-drone-attack-on-panama-flagged-tanker-off-sharjah/articleshow/134845805.cms) — 22 Indian crew safe after drone attack on Panama-flagged tanker off Sharjah
- [Tribune India](https://tribuneindia.com/news/world/indian-crew-of-22-safe-after-drone-attack-on-panama-flagged-oil-tanker-at-sharjah-anchorage-sonowal) — Indian crew of 22 safe after drone attack on Panama-flagged oil tanker at Sharjah Anchorage: Sonowal - The Tribune
- [Moneycontrol](https://moneycontrol.com/news/india/all-22-indians-safe-after-drone-attack-on-oil-tanker-mt-gem-no-2-near-sharjah-14048902.html) — All 22 Indians safe after drone attack on oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 near Sharjah
- [Amar Ujala](https://amarujala.com/world/sharjah-drone-attack-panama-oil-tanker-indian-sailors-safe-union-minister-sarbananda-sonowal-2026-10-10) — Drone Attack on Oil Tanker Near Sharjah: All 22 Indians on Board Safe; What Did Minister Sonowal Say?

## Questions

**What happened to the oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2?**

The Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 was attacked by a drone at Sharjah Anchorage on October 9. A fire also broke out on the tanker, leading to a rescue operation by the UAE National Guard.

**Were there any casualties from the tanker incident?**

No. All 22 Indian seafarers onboard the MT GEM NO. 2 were reported to be safe and unharmed following the drone attack and the subsequent fire. The UAE National Guard confirmed the rescue of 22 Asian crew members.

**Who confirmed the safety of the crew?**

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that all 22 Indian seafarers on board the MT GEM NO. 2 were safe. The United Arab Emirates National Guard also announced the rescue of 22 Asian crew members.

**What was the cause of the incident?**

Reports vary on the cause. Some outlets state the tanker was subjected to a drone attack. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed the ship hit a naval mine, while others suggested a projectile or drone. The UAE National Guard focused on the fire and rescue operation.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/conflict/drone-attacks-oil-tanker-mt-gem-no-2-off-sharjah-crew-safe. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Drone attacks oil tanker MT GEM NO. 2 off Sharjah; crew safe", https://mediabias.news/conflict/drone-attacks-oil-tanker-mt-gem-no-2-off-sharjah-crew-safe