New Delhi (India): A merchant vessel 'MV Chem Pluto' said to be affiliated with Israel was struck by a drone causing an explosion and fire within the vessel in the Arabian Sea off India's coast, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Saturday.
The attack by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle aboard a ship 200 nautical miles (around 370 km) from Veraval in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, caused an explosion and fire, the UKMTO said. It has been learned that the fire on the vessel was extinguished, and all crew members including around 20 Indians were safe. The UKMTO further said that the authorities are investigating the incident. The vessels have been advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.
“UKMTO have received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. Incident 200NM South West of Veraval, India. Fire extinguished, no casualties Authorities are investigating,” UKMTO said in a statement. “Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” UKMTO said in a statement.
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UKMTO WARNING 018/DEC/2023
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) December 23, 2023 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
ATTACK – INCIDENT 018 UPDATE 01
UKMTO have received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. https://t.co/qFzIsjDvnj#MaritimeSecurity #marsec pic.twitter.com/gBARms8K9T
">UKMTO WARNING 018/DEC/2023
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) December 23, 2023
ATTACK – INCIDENT 018 UPDATE 01
UKMTO have received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. https://t.co/qFzIsjDvnj#MaritimeSecurity #marsec pic.twitter.com/gBARms8K9TUKMTO WARNING 018/DEC/2023
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) December 23, 2023
ATTACK – INCIDENT 018 UPDATE 01
UKMTO have received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. https://t.co/qFzIsjDvnj#MaritimeSecurity #marsec pic.twitter.com/gBARms8K9T
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard vessels soon rushed to assist the attacked vessel. Indian Coast Guard Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft established communication with the distressed vessel. "After the drone attack, the ship switched off its Automatic Identification System which can be used for tracking the vessel. The power generation system of the ship is now functional and more checks are being carried out before it sets out for its destination," Indian Coast Guard officials.
Earlier, the P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft established communication with the distressed vessel after taking off from INS Hansa naval air base in Goa. The Indian Navy warship is also moving towards the vessel and is expected to reach the merchant ship in the next few hours, Navy officials said.
According to defence officials, the vessel carries crude oil and was going towards Mangalore from a port in Saudi Arabia.
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