A drone strike inflicted damage upon a merchant vessel off the Indian coast on December 23, according to reports by the AFP. No casualties have been reported. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and Ambrey, a maritime security firm, disclosed that an unmanned aerial vehicle struck a merchant vessel near India’s Veraval. The UKMTO received a report, indicating an explosion and subsequent fire 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval. The fire has been extinguished, and authorities are actively investigating the incident, urging vessels to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to the UKMTO.

Defence officials, as quoted by news agency ANI, provided an update on the situation. The Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram is en route to the merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea, located 217 nautical miles off Porbandar coast. The vessel, carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia to Mangalore, reported a fire incident suspected to be caused by a drone attack. Although the fire has been extinguished, it has affected the vessel’s functionality. The ICGS Vikram, deployed for the patrol of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, promptly responded to the distress call, ensuring the safety of its approximately 20 Indian crew members. The vessel has requested assistance, prompting nearby ships to provide aid.

In addition to the Indian Coast Guard’s swift response, Indian Navy warships in the vicinity are also mobilizing towards the distressed merchant ship MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea, located outside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. The Indian Navy officials have attributed this information, highlighting the coordinated efforts to address the situation effectively.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of maritime assets to unconventional threats, prompting heightened vigilance and coordinated responses from naval and coast guard units. As investigations unfold, maritime stakeholders emphasize the importance of robust security measures to safeguard vessels navigating critical sea routes.

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