Panjim: Goa is at the forefront in maintaining vigil in the Arabian Sea for the safety of merchant ships following the drone attack on India-bound oil tanker MV Chem Pluto on Saturday.
“The Indian Navy has deployed guided missile destroyers, INS Mormugao (named after the port of Goa), INS Kochi and INS Kolkata in various areas to maintain deterrent presence over the Arabian Sea. An official statement issued by the Navy said it has also deployed Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance P8I aircraft deployed at INS Hansa in Goa to maintain domain awareness.
On Saturday, a suspected drone hit a merchant ship, MV Chem Pluto, (Liberian flag chemical/oil tanker) with 21 Indian crew members on board, about 217 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast in the Arabian Sea. The attack came amid growing concerns over the alleged targeting of various commercial ships by Iran-backed Houthi militants in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The ship managed to reach India and anchored safely at Mumbai’s outer anchorage on Monday.
“Upon their arrival, the Indian Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team inspected the ship to make an initial assessment of the type and nature of the attack. Analysis of the attack area and debris found on the ship points towards a drone attack. However, further forensic and technical analysis will be required to establish the vehicle of the attack, including the type and quantity of explosives used,” the Navy reported.
A joint investigation by various agencies has begun upon completion of the analysis by the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Team.
“MV Chem Pluto has been cleared for further operations by her company in-charge in Mumbai. The ship is scheduled to undergo mandatory checks by various inspection authorities before the Ship to Ship (STS) transfer of cargo. This is likely to be followed by docking and repair of the damaged portion of MV Chem Pluto,” the Navy said.
