In response to recent attacks in the Arabian Sea, and to maintain a deterrent presence, the Indian Navy has deployed Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata. And, long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft are being regularly tasked to maintain domain awareness.
According to the Indian Navy, in close coordination with Coast Guard and all concerned agencies, Western Naval Command’s Maritime Operations Centre is actively monitoring the situation.
The preliminary assessment of attack on MV Chem Pluto, (Liberian Flag Chemical/lOil Tanker), carrying 21 Indian and 01 Vietnamese crew, points towards a drone attack according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
According to a statement issued by the MoD on late Monday evening (Dec 25, 2023), the tanker has reached Mumbai and is anchored safely at Outer Anchorage off Mumbai.
What does the MoD Statement say?
Analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the ship points towards a drone attack. However, further forensic and technical analysis will be required — to establish the vector of attack, including type and amount of explosive used.
The suspected drone attack was reported earlier on Dec 23, 2023, and on the tanker’s arrival in Mumbai, a preliminary assessment of the type and nature of attack was carried out by the Indian Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
The MoD statement has also said that a `Joint Investigation’ by various agencies has “commenced on completion of the analysis by the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Team’’. MV Chem Pluto has been cleared for further operation by her company-in-charge at Mumbai.
Also, the ship is set to undergo mandatory checks by the various inspecting authorities before undertaking Ship to Ship (STS) transfer of cargo. This is expected to be followed by docking and repairs of the damaged portion of MV Chem Pluto.
Background
The Indian Navy swiftly responded to a maritime incident in the Arabian Sea involving an attack on MT Chem Pluto, a vessel with 22 crew members (21 Indian and one Vietnamese). Around 0745 h on December 23, the vessel was reported on fire, likely from a missile or drone strike.
In reaction to the situation, the Indian Navy redirected a maritime patrol aircraft engaged in routine surveillance in the area. Simultaneously, the Indian naval ship Mormugao was diverted to assess the scene and provide assistance to MT Chem Pluto.
At 1315 h on December 23, the naval maritime patrol aircraft flew over MT Chem Pluto, establishing contact with the crew. They reported that all 22 crew members were safe, and the fire had been extinguished. The Navy communicated the developing situation to Indian maritime agencies for required assistance.
By 1930 h on December 23, INS Mormugao established communication with MT Chem Pluto to inquire about any needed assistance. CGS Vikram, also on the scene, was directed to escort the vessel to Mumbai. Upon arrival, Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists boarded MV Chem Pluto to sanitize the vessel and conduct further investigation.