An unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) has targeted a trade ship with connections to Israel in the vicinity of the Indian coast. The vessel had a crew of at least 21 Indian members
A drone strike inflicted damage on a merchant ship in the Indian Ocean, with no reported casualties, according to two maritime agencies on Saturday. One agency suggested the vessel had ties to Israel. The Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) attack occurred 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval, India, causing a fire on the Liberia-flagged chemical/products tanker, reportedly affiliated with Israel, as stated by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and Ambrey, a maritime security firm. Military sources indicate the vessel is currently en route to the nearest port, having been in transit from a Saudi Arabian port to Mangalore with a cargo of crude oil.
UKMTO WARNING 018/DEC/2023
ATTACK – INCIDENT 018 UPDATE 01
UKMTO have received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. https://t.co/qFzIsjDvnj#MaritimeSecurity #marsec pic.twitter.com/gBARms8K9T
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) December 23, 2023
UKMTO has received a report of a Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) attack on a vessel resulting in an explosion and fire. The incident occurred 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval, India. The fire has been extinguished, and there are no reported casualties. Authorities are conducting an investigation,” stated UKMTO in a released statement. It further advised vessels to exercise caution during transit and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.
According to official sources, the incident occurred near the Indian coast but outside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The crew consists of at least 21 Indian nationals, and the Indian Navy, being the resident power, is on its way to investigate. An Indian Navy aircraft has reached the location, confirming the safety of the vessel and crew. A naval warship is en route to further ensure safety and security.
The recent increase in attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels from Yemen has disrupted a crucial global trade route. Initially targeting Israeli-linked vessels during the Israel-Hamas war, the Houthis later expanded their attacks to ships with unclear ties. These incidents have prompted the rerouting of a significant portion of global trade away from this vital maritime artery, impacting the transportation of consumer goods and energy supplies.