Indian Navy assists Panama-flagged crude oil tanker after it comes under Houthi’s missile attack; crew including 22 Indians safe

Indian Naval Destroyer INS Kochi responded to a maritime security incident after an attack on a merchant vessel by Houthis

PGurus Newsdesk

April 29, 2024

Indian Naval Destroyer INS Kochi responded to a maritime security incident after an attack on a merchant vessel by Houthis

Indian Navy assists missile-hit Panama-flagged crude oil tanker in Red Sea

The Indian Navy swiftly assisted a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker with 30 crew (including 22 Indian nationals) after an attack on a merchant vessel by the Houthis.

INS Kochi responded to a distress call from Panama-flagged crude oil tanker Merchant Vessel (MV) Andromeda Star PM, attacked in the Red Sea on 26 April. The attack, claimed by Houthis, marks a resumption of their targeting of ships linked to Israel, the US, and Britain.

The Navy said on Sunday that the Indian Mission deployed in the sea responded and all 22 Indian nationals, who were on board the merchant vessel, are safe. A total of 30 crew (including 22 Indian nationals) were on the ship and the vessel is continuing its scheduled transit to the next port.

According to the Navy, the MV was intercepted by the Navy ship and an aerial recce by helicopter was undertaken to assess the situation. The EOD team was deployed onboard MV for residual risk assessment.

The swift action of the Navy ship reiterates the commitment and resolve of the Indian Navy in safeguarding the seafarers plying through the region, an official added.

According to some international reports, the attack on the Andromeda Star was claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. After the attack, Houthi rebels had stated that the missiles targeted the tanker as part of their ongoing support for Palestinians.

Confirmation of the attack came from the U.S. Central Command, which attributed the incident to Iran-backed Houthi militants launching three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen, resulting in minor damage to the Andromeda Star. The ship’s master reported the damage, as confirmed by British maritime security firm Ambrey.

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