MV Chem Pluto drone attack: Indian Navy enhances warships' presence, air surveillance in Indian Ocean region
national maritime agencies towards ensuring the safety of merchant marine in the region," the Indian Navy said in a release. While speaking specifically about the attack on MV Chem Pluto, the Indian Navy informed that it conducted an on-scene examination and took crew inputs about the attack. “Based on MV Chem Pluto crew inputs and on-scene examination, the analysis by the Indian Navy team points to a strong possibility of a drone attack.
It has been ascertained that the explosive charge on the drone detonated completely causing extensive damage above the waterline. Remnants of projectiles have been collected by the Indian Navy for further forensic analysis in coordination with other agencies," the statement said. It added that India's Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar was briefed on the initial analysis undertaken by the IN EOD Team and the follow-up actions being progressed.
The Liberian flag chemical/oil tanker, MV Chem Pluto was safely escorted to Mumbai on Monday where the Indian Navy's explosive ordnance disposal team conducted a detailed inspection of the vessel. The India-bound vessel, which had 21 Indians onboard came under drone attack on 23 December. The attack comes as Iran-backed Houthi rebels are targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea in response to Israel's airstrikes against Hamas militants in Gaza.
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