In a recent development, the Indian Navy has deployed guided missile destroyers in response to a suspected drone attack on the merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, a chemical/oil tanker with a crew of 21 Indians and a Vietnamese. The vessel, a Liberian-flagged commercial ship, en route from Al Jubail (Saudi Arabia) to New Mangalore, came under attack 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval, Gujarat, leading to an explosion and fire.
MV Chem Pluto reached Mumbai's outer anchorage on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred on Saturday, and fortunately, no casualties were reported. The Navy's preliminary assessment points to a drone attack, prompting heightened security measures in the Arabian Sea region.
Given the recent surge in attacks in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has deployed guided missile destroyers, including INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata, to various areas for a deterrent presence. Long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft are also actively maintaining domain awareness. The Western Naval Command's Maritime Operations Centre is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Coast Guard and relevant agencies.
Initially, there was confusion regarding whether the attack was a missile or drone strike. However, a late Monday statement from the Navy clarified that an analysis of the attack area and debris found on the ship strongly indicates a drone attack. The Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team conducted a preliminary assessment, but further forensic and technical analysis is required to determine the specifics of the attack, including the type and amount of explosive used.
A joint investigation involving various agencies has commenced, with a team inspecting MV Chem Pluto upon its arrival in Mumbai. The Indian Navy is actively leading the investigation, collaborating with the police, ATS, IB, and Coast Guard. The vessel has been cleared for further operation, with scheduled checks and repairs before undertaking Ship to Ship (STS) cargo transfer.
This incident follows a series of UAV and missile attacks in the Red Sea region, particularly by Yemen's Houthi rebels. It is notable that a Gabon-flagged commercial oil tanker and another Norwegian-flagged ship also faced drone attacks recently. The situation has led to shipping companies rerouting vessels through longer routes, resulting in increased fuel costs.