Tense Situation at Sea: Drone Strike Hits Ship with 20 Indians on Board, Coast Guard Deployed
A merchant ship sailing in the Arabian Sea on Saturday afternoon faced a terrifying ordeal when a drone strike caused an explosion and fire onboard. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported as of yet. With 20 Indian crew members on board, the incident has sparked immediate action from the Indian Coast Guard.
Identified as MV Chem Pluto, the vessel was carrying crude oil on its journey from a port in Saudi Arabia towards Mangaluru in India. The attack occurred approximately 217 nautical miles off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat. Following the drone strike, an explosion and fire erupted on the ship, raising concerns about crew safety and potential environmental damage.
However, a wave of relief came with the confirmation that all 20 Indian crew members remain safe. Despite extinguishing the fire, the attack has reportedly affected the ship's functionality, necessitating immediate assistance.
Reacting swiftly to the critical situation, the Indian Coast Guard responded by dispatching their ship, ICGS Vikram, which was already patrolling the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone in the area. ICGS Vikram is now en route to the distressed MV Chem Pluto, prioritizing the safety of the crew and assessing the extent of the damage. Additionally, the Coast Guard has alerted all neighboring vessels to provide any assistance required in this maritime emergency.
This incident comes close on the heels of another maritime event last Monday, where the Indian Navy successfully evacuated an injured sailor from a hijacked cargo ship in the Arabian Sea. These back-to-back maritime occurrences highlight the evolving challenges and growing concerns about safety and security at sea.
While the specific details of the drone attack and the perpetrators remain under investigation, the priority remains ensuring the safety of all personnel involved and securing the affected vessel. The Indian Coast Guard's prompt response and the solidarity of the maritime community offer hope for a safe resolution to this tense situation.
