- An Indian Navy ship has assisted a Panama-flagged oil tanker that had come under attack from Houthi militants.
- A total of 30 crew are reported to be safe and the vessel is continuing its scheduled transit to the next port.
A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker was targeted by a Houthi missile strike in the Red Sea on April 26, 2024. The Indian Navy responded quickly, deploying its destroyer to assist the vessel, reports Marine Insight.
The attack prompted the INS Kochi to intercept the vessel and undertake an aerial survey to assess the situation.
Crude oil tanker rescued
The Indian Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad was dispatched onboard to assess residual risk.All 30 crew members on the vessel, including 22 Indian nationals, have been reported to be safe.Despite the damage, the vessel continues its scheduled visit to the next port.
This incident demonstrates the Indian Navy’s commitment and willingness to protect seafarers passing through the region amidst escalating tensions over Houthi militant attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Series of Similar Attacks
The incident comes after a string of similar attacks on vessels in the region, triggering increased security measures and concerns from maritime authorities. In response to similar attacks, the Indian Navy has assisted numerous merchant vessels in the Western Indian Ocean.
Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, the Houthi rebels have increased their attacks on commercial vessels in and near the Red Sea.
As a result, some shipping companies have discontinued their regional operations, redirecting vessels on lengthier routes around Africa’s southern edge to reduce dangers.
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Source: Marine Insight
