Iran Accused of Drone Attack on Chemical Tanker Off Gujarat Coast
Image Source: Hindustan Times
In a concerning turn of events, the Pentagon has attributed a drone attack on a chemical tanker off the Porbandar coast in Gujarat to Iran. The incident occurred on Saturday at around 10 a.m. local time and targeted the motor vessel CHEM PLUTO, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker with approximately 20 Indian crew members on board.
According to the Pentagon statement on Sunday, the attack involved a one-way attack drone fired from Iran. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported, and the fire resulting from the strike was successfully extinguished. The vessel, owned by a Japanese company, is currently en route to India, with the US military maintaining communication as it progresses.
This incident marks the seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021, as stated by the Pentagon. The heightened tensions in the region are evident, following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. The Iranian government and its allied militant forces in Yemen have openly criticized the Israeli military operation in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinian citizens have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
Despite the gravity of the situation, there has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the drone strike. This event adds to the recent series of drone and missile attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels on a crucial shipping lane in the Red Sea.
In response to the attack, the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard have swiftly mobilized assets to aid the merchant ship MV Chem Pluto. The vessel, carrying chemicals from Saudi Arabia’s Jubail port to Mangalore, was struck 217 nautical miles from Porbandar around 11:30 a.m., according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
In a late-night statement, the Indian Coast Guard reported that the vessel is making its way towards Mumbai after conducting a damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems. The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitized the area, established communication with Chem Pluto, and confirmed the safety of all on board.
The vessel is expected to enter Mumbai with escort assistance due to steering issues. Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram will be providing the escort, with the Indian Coast Guard Operations Centre closely monitoring the situation.
The UKMTO, citing information from the crew of 21, reported that all individuals on board are safe. The attack, carried out by an uncrewed aerial system (UAS), led to an explosion and a subsequent fire that temporarily disabled the vessel’s power supply. The prompt response from the Indian authorities, coupled with international concerns over escalating tensions, underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the incident.
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- Anushka Pundir is a driven student currently pursuing her Masters in Business Administration (F&A) at Amity University. Anushka embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science (Hons) from Delhi University, a testament to her diverse interests. Following her undergraduate studies, she dedicated herself to the rigorous preparation for UPSC and other government exams, showcasing her commitment to public service.
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