Indian Navy deploys guided-missile destroyer ships after strike off its coast
The Indian Navy has deployed guided missile destroyers INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata (Guided Missile Destroyers) in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence, considering the recent spate of attacks in the Arabian Sea.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft are regularly tasked with maintaining domain awareness.
Meanwhile, ‘MV Chem Pluto‘ (Liberian Flag Chemical/ Oil Tanker) carrying 21 Indians and one Vietnamese crew, earlier reported as attacked by a suspected drone on December 23, reached Mumbai and anchored safely at the Outer Anchorage, officials said.
The MoD said that on its arrival, the Indian Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team inspected the vessel to make a preliminary assessment of the type and nature of the attack.
Analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the ship points towards a drone attack. However, further forensic and technical analysis will be required to establish the vector of attack, including the type and amount of explosive used, officials added.
A joint investigation by various agencies has commenced to complete the analysis by the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Team.
MV Chem Pluto has been cleared for further operation by its company-in-charge in Mumbai, officials added.
The MoD said that this ship is scheduled to undergo mandatory checks by the various inspecting authorities before undertaking Ship to Ship (STS) cargo transfer. This is likely to be followed by docking and repairs of the damaged portion of MV Chem Pluto.
Western Naval Command’s Maritime Operations Centre is actively monitoring the situation in close coordination with the Coast Guard and all concerned agencies, officials added.
[With Inputs from IANS]
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