A drone strike reportedly damaged a merchant ship off India’s southwestern coast near Gujarat’s Veraval. The vessel, described as ‘Israel-affiliated,’ was attacked without causing any casualties, according to two maritime agencies.
The incident, which unfolded on Saturday, involved the Liberian-flagged chemical products tanker MV Chem Pluto. Indian officials confirmed that the Navy’s P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, operating from INS Hansa naval air base in Goa, had established communication with the distressed vessel. A naval warship has been dispatched and is expected to reach the ship shortly.
Attack Details
The United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO) disclosed that an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) caused an explosion and fire on the vessel, located approximately 200 km southwest of Veraval. While the fire was successfully extinguished without crew casualties, the British military’s UKMTO and maritime security firm Ambrey highlighted some structural damage and water ingress onboard.
Ambrey’s statement, quoted by AFP and Reuters, indicated the ship’s Israel affiliation, its last port call in Saudi Arabia, and its destination towards India at the time of the attack.
Advisory and Investigation
Following the drone strike, UKMTO issued an advisory for vessels planning to transit through the area, emphasizing caution and vigilance against any suspicious activities. Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain the details and implications of the incident.
Contextual Background
This incident gains significance against the backdrop of recent attacks by Iran-backed Yemen’s Houthi militants targeting commercial shipping, particularly in the Red Sea. These attacks are seen as part of the militants’ efforts to support the Palestinian militant group Hamas and coincide with the ongoing military offensive by Israel in Hamas-ruled Gaza since October 7.
Reacting to these maritime threats, India’s foreign ministry confirmed its engagement with the US-led naval task force in the Red Sea, established to counter the threat posed by Yemen’s Houthi militants to global shipping.
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