Indian Navy's initial probe indicates potential drone attack on MV Chem Pluto in Arabian Sea

New Delhi: The Indian Navy's preliminary analysis suggests a potential drone attack targeted the merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea. According to the Navy's assessment, there is a ‘strong possibility of a drone attack’ being involved in the recent assault on the merchant vessel.

Reports state that Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, was briefed on the initial analysis conducted by the Indian Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. The investigation indicated that an explosive charge, detonated by a suspected drone, caused damage above the waterline of MV Chem Pluto.

The Navy's statement reveals that through the crew's inputs and an on-scene examination, it was established that the explosive mounted on the drone or the warhead it carried was denoted completely. The Navy has collected remnants of projectiles for further forensic investigation in collaboration with other agencies. The incident occurred when MV Chem Pluto, carrying 20 Indian and one Vietnamese crew member, caught fire following an attack in the Arabian Sea. This prompted the Indian Coast Guard to spring into action, taking control of the situation to secure the vessel and ensure no lives were affected.

The vessel commenced its journey from the UAE on December 19, bound for New Mangalore port with an anticipated arrival on December 25. However, on December 23, the Indian Coast Guard received distressing information about a fire onboard MV Chem Pluto, resulting from the suspected drone strike. No casualties were reported, and the crew successfully extinguished the fire before the vessel reached Mumbai, anchoring safely at Outer Anchorage off Mumbai at 1530 hrs on Monday.

Following the vessel's arrival, the Indian Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team conducted an initial assessment of the attack's nature and type. Subsequently, MV Chem Pluto received clearance for further operation by its overseeing company in Mumbai. However, mandatory inspections by relevant authorities are scheduled before the vessel can proceed with Ship-to-Ship (STS) cargo transfer.

In response to recent maritime incidents, the Indian Navy initiated focused maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea. To reinforce safety measures, the Navy increased warship presence and deployed air surveillance assets on its western seaboard.

Several Guided Missile Destroyers like INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata have been deployed in chartered areas of the Arabian Sea to maintain a visible deterrent presence. Additionally, the deployment of long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft aims to ensure continuous domain awareness and provide real-time updates on the theatre.

The Western Naval Command's Maritime Operations Centre is also actively monitoring the situation in close coordination with the Coast Guard and other concerned agencies, as per a Navy spokesperson's statement.