Indian Navy Deploys Three Guided Missile Destroyers In Arabian Sea After Drone Attack On MV Chem Pluto

The Indian Navy has deployed three warships including guided missile destroyers in the Arabian Sea after MV Chem Pluto, a chemical tanker was struck by a drone off India's west coast.

"Considering the recent spate of attacks in the Arabian Sea, Indian Navy has deployed Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata ...in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence," the Indian Navy said in a statement.

INS KOCHI

Drone attack on MV Chem Pluto

The development came after MV Chem Pluto, a chemical tanker, registered in Liberia was hit by a drone attack, suspected to have originated from Iran.

The Israel-affiliated merchant vessel which had 21 Indians and one Vietnamese citizen as crew members was struck off the Indian coast on December 23.

Indian Coast Guard

Following this, MV Chem Plutowas escorted on its way to Mumbai by Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram and is currently anchored at outer anchorage off Mumbai.

MV Chem Pluto cleared for travel

"On her arrival, the Indian Navy explosive ordnance disposal team inspected the vessel to make a preliminary assessment of the type and nature of attack. The analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the ship points towards a drone attack," a Navy spokesperson said.

Indian Cost Guard

"However, further forensic and technical analysis will be required to establish the vector of attack including type and amount of explosive used," he said.

The spokesperson said a joint investigation by various agencies commenced following the completion of the analysis of the vessel by the explosive ordnance team.

"MV Chem Pluto has been cleared for further operation by her company-in-charge at Mumbai. The ship is scheduled to undergo mandatory checks by the various inspecting authorities before undertaking ship to ship transfer of cargo," he said.

Indian Coast Guard

"This is likely to be followed by docking and repairs of the damaged portion of MV Chem Pluto," he said.

Iranian hand suspected

MV Chem Pluto, carrying crude oil to New Mangalore port from Al Jubail port in Saudi Arabia, was struck about 217 nautical miles from Porbandar on Saturday.

A Pentagon spokesperson said on Sunday that MV Chem Pluto was hit by "a one-way attack drone fired from Iran".

Indian Coast Guard

A Gabon-flagged commercial crude oil tanker with 25 Indian crew members also came under a drone attack in the Southern Red Sea on Saturday but no one was injured, according to Indian officials and the US military.

Officials said that the Indian Navy warships will be further enhancing their patrolling in the region to keep the Indian and other merchant vessels safe in the region.

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