Indian Navy’s Swift Response
The Indian Navy swiftly assisted a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker, MV Andromeda Star, with 30 crew members, including 22 Indians, after the vessel came under missile attack from Houthi militants. The incident took place on April 26 in the Red Sea.
Details of the Incident
- The US Central Command reported that Iranian-backed Houthi militants launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen into the Red Sea.
- MV Andromeda Star, a Panaman-flagged and Seychelles-operated vessel, sustained minor damage during the attack.
Indian Navy’s Response
The Indian Navy’s destroyer INS Kochi responded promptly to the attack on MV Andromeda Star, ensuring the safety of all 30 crew members on board. The vessel was intercepted by the Indian Navy ship, and an aerial reconnaissance operation was conducted to assess the situation.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of the Navy was deployed to carry out a “residual risk assessment” to secure the vessel and its crew.
Safe Passage Ensured
All 30 crew members, including the 22 Indian nationals, are reported to be safe, and the vessel is continuing its scheduled transit to the next port. The Indian Navy’s swift and decisive action reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding seafarers in the region.
Global Concerns
This incident adds to the growing global concerns over attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi militants. In recent weeks, the Indian Navy has provided assistance to several merchant vessels in the Western Indian Ocean following similar attacks.