An unmanned aerial vehicle struck an Israel-affiliated merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea off India’s west coast, causing a fire, as reported by British maritime security firm Ambrey on Saturday.
The incident occurred 200 km southwest of Veraval, India, and involved the Liberian-flagged chemical products tanker. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished without any casualties among the crew.
Ambrey noted that the vessel, which had last called Saudi Arabia and was en route to India, suffered some structural damage, and water was taken onboard. The Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram responded to the incident, moving towards the merchant vessel, MV Chem Pluto, in the Arabian Sea, 217 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast. The vessel, carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia to Mangalore, experienced a suspected drone attack that caused a fire affecting its functioning.
While the fire has been extinguished, it has impacted the vessel’s operations. The ICGS Vikram, deployed for the patrol of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, directed its efforts toward the distressed merchant ship.
All crew members, including around 20 Indians, are reported safe. The ICGS Vikram has alerted other ships in the area to provide assistance.
This incident follows a series of drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthis. The Houthis claim to be supporting Palestinians under siege by Israel in the Gaza Strip, leading to attacks on commercial shipping and forcing vessels to alter their courses and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.
UN Security Council Approves Gaza Aid Resolution As US Abstains
In another development, the United Nations Security Council approved a moderated effort to enhance humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to establish conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities. The United States abstained, enabling the adoption of a resolution proposed by the United Arab Emirates.
The resolution, following negotiations, no longer diminishes Israel’s control over aid deliveries to Gaza’s 2.3 million population. However, a weakened language on the cessation of hostilities caused frustration among some council members, including Russia and certain Arab and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation states. They perceive it as a potential endorsement for Israel to take further action against Hamas in response to an October 7 attack.
