In a significant maritime incident, a merchant vessel, MV Chem Pluto, encountered a drone attack approximately 217 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast in the Arabian Sea. The vessel was carrying a crew of 21 Indians and one Vietnamese when the attack occurred.
The attack on the MV Chem Pluto comes amidst escalating concerns over Iran-backed Houthi rebels reportedly targeting commercial vessels in strategic waterways, notably the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, amid ongoing regional conflicts.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the incident, stating that an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) was involved, resulting in an explosion and fire onboard the vessel. Thankfully, no casualties were reported from the attack.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Indian Navy swiftly deployed a P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the vessel and its crew. Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard’s ship, ICGS Vikram, was redirected to the location of the incident to provide immediate assistance.
The MV Chem Pluto, sailing under a Liberian flag, was en route from Al Jubail port in Saudi Arabia to Mangalore, carrying a cargo of crude oil. Following the attack, the vessel deactivated its Automatic Identification System (AIS), a tracking mechanism for ships, as a precautionary measure.
In a subsequent statement, the Indian Navy confirmed the initiation of an investigation into the drone strike, with plans to embark an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialist on the MV Chem Pluto upon its arrival in Mumbai. The vessel underwent necessary repairs and assessments, escorted by the Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram due to steering complications.
In a related development, the US military reported another drone attack targeting a commercial crude oil tanker, MV Sai Baba, flagged by Gabon, in the Southern Red Sea. Although the vessel sustained damage, no injuries were reported among the 25 Indian crew members onboard.
In response to these concerning developments, the Indian Navy has heightened its surveillance in the Arabian Sea, deploying additional warships, including INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata, to maintain a robust deterrent presence and ensure maritime security in the region.
