Indian Navy rescues Panama-flagged crude oil tanker crew after missile attack
Indian Navy has successfully rescued the crew of a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker, MV Andromeda Star, after it came under a missile attack by Houthi militants. The vessel was attacked in the Red Sea on April 26, prompting a rapid response from the Indian Navy's destroyer, INS Kochi. The attack resulted in minor damage to the vessel, which is operated by a company based in Seychelles.
The distressed oil tanker was intercepted by the Indian Navy ship and an aerial recce was carried out by the Indian Navy helicopter to assess the situation.
«A mission deployed Indian Naval destroyer INS Kochi responded to a maritime security incident involving the attack on Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MV Andromeda Star on April 26,» the Indian Navy said.
The vessel was intercepted by the Indian Navy ship and an aerial recce involving a helicopter operation was undertaken to assess the situation, it said.
According to officials, the Indian Navy deployed an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to assess any residual risk to the vessel. Fortunately, all 30 crew members, including 22 Indians, were reported safe following the incident. The vessel is now continuing its scheduled transit to the next port.
A total of 30 crew (including 22 Indian nationals) are reported to be safe and the vessel is continuing its scheduled transit to the next port, the navy said in its statement.
«The swift action of IN ship reiterates the commitment and resolve of the Indian Navy in safeguarding the seafarers plying through the region,» it added.
