In a concerning series of events, two commercial oil tankers in route to Bharat have fallen victim to drone attacks, raising alarms about maritime security. Both incidents involved Bharat crew members, with the most recent attack targeting a Gabon-flagged tanker, MV Sai Baba, in the southern Red Sea. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in any of the incident.
Red Sea Attack
The attack on MV Sai Baba occurred on Sunday, and the US Central Command has attributed it to Houthi rebels from Yemen. This follows a pattern of UAV and missile attacks by the Houthis on ships, particularly those associated with Israel, since the Israel-Hamas war began in October.
Arabian Sea Incident
The day before, another cargo ship, MV Chem Pluto, carrying 22 crew members, 21 of them are Bharatiyas, was hit by a suspected drone in the Arabian Sea, around 200 nautical miles off the Gujarat coast. The US Central Command stated that the drone responsible for this attack was launched from Iran.
Bharat Navy’s Response
In response to the incidents, the Indian Navy has launched investigations, dispatching its own assets to assist the affected vessels. The Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists will conduct an investigation upon MV Chem Pluto’s arrival in Mumbai, focusing on sanitizing the vessel and assessing the damage.
Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram is escorting MV Chem Pluto, expected to reach Mumbai on Monday. The Navy emphasizes its commitment to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region.
Security Measures and Ongoing Monitoring
Following the attacks, the Indian Navy has heightened security measures, dispatching a P8I maritime patrol aircraft and the warship INS Mormugao to assist the affected ships. A general security alert has been issued in Maharashtra, and coastal police have intensified their vigilance.
Mumbai police officers are conducting round-the-clock patrols along the city’s coastline to prevent any untoward incidents. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure maritime safety in the region.
As investigations unfold, the international community watches closely, with concerns about the implications for maritime trade and the need for enhanced security measures in the troubled waters of the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.
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