Red sea drone attack: MV Chem Pluto reaches Indian shores, Navy begins probe

MV Chem Pluto has safely reached Mumbai and anchored at outer anchorage for an initial inspection. The ship, with 22 crew members, is set to undergo mandatory checks by inspecting authorities before engaging in ship-to-ship (STS) cargo transfer, followed by docking and repairs of the damaged section. Both the Navy and the Coast Guard have heightened patrols in the general area.

MV Chem Pluto, a chemical/oil tanker carrying 21 Indian and one Vietnamese crew member, was en route from Al Jubail (Saudi Arabia) to New Mangalore when the attack occurred approximately 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval, Gujarat, resulting in an explosion and fire. However, no casualties were reported.

While initial confusion existed regarding whether the attack was a missile or drone strike, the Navy clarified in a statement on December 25 that the analysis of the attack area and ship debris pointed toward a drone attack.

This incident aligns with a series of UAV and missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on commercial ships in the Red Sea region, particularly those headed for Israel, since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war in October.

Due to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, several shipping companies are diverting their cargo vessels through longer routes, resulting in increased fuel costs.