2023-12-25 14:37:58
Maritime security firm Ambrey has confirmed that a Liberian-flagged chemical tanker with alleged links to Israel was attacked by a drone, according to a BBC report. The incident occurred about 200 nautical miles (370 km) from the town of Veraval on India’s west coast.
Who is behind the attack?
Although it is not yet clear who was behind Saturday’s attack, Israeli media are pointing the finger at Iran.
Israel believes that the drone that was recently fired at a tanker off the coast of India was launched directly from Iran, Channel 12 reported, although this has not been officially confirmed.
At the time of writing, the Indian Navy is on its way to assist the damaged tanker, which was leaking water from the attack.
The attack caused structural damage to the tanker – identified in Indian media as the crude carrier MV Chem Pluto.
The location
Ambrey said this is the first case so far from the Red Sea and in an area the company considers an “highly dangerous area” for Iranian drones.
Although the Yemeni Houthis have never carried out an attack from such a distance, the Iranians certainly have the technical superiority to carry out such an attack. Given that Iran’s southern coast is closer to Indian waters.
The tanker was reportedly bound for Manglore, India from the port in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
All 20 crew members aboard MV Chem Pluto are safe. The drone strike caused a fire, but it appears to have been successfully extinguished.
What could be the consequences?
An Indian Navy helicopter filmed the damaged ship and several rescue vessels, including one from the Indian Coast Guard. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a distress alert over the incident.
A international shipping transit traffic already, there has been a drastic shift away from the Red Sea routes, which means increased expenses for companies on crew, fuel, supplies, port charges and other costs – not to mention higher risk insurance premiums.
Attacks on tankers in international waters may become more frequent, causing further chaos in the routing of major container shipping companies.
1703516354
#drone #attack #Israeliaffiliated #tanker #coast #India