Indian Navy's mission deployed platforms respond swiftly to a maritime incident in Arabian Sea involving a missile/ drone attack on MT Chem Pluto.  The vessel with 22 crew (21 Indian and one Vietnamese) was reported on fire after being hit by a projectile at around 0745 h on 23 Dec 23 likely to be a missile or drone.

Responding swiftly to the developing situation, Indian Navy diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in area undertaking routine surveillance. Indian Navy also diverted Indian naval ship Mormugao to assess the situation and provide assistance to MT Chem Pluto.

The naval maritime patrol aircraft over flew MT Chem Pluto at 1315 h on 23 Dec 23 and established contact with the crew. The crew reported all 22 crew members to be safe and that the fire had been extinguished. Navy also communicated details of developing situation to all Indian maritime agencies for rendering necessary assistance.

Indian Naval Ship Mormugao communicated with MT Chem Pluto at 1930 h on 23 Dec 23 to ascertain if any assistance was required. CGS Vikram, also present at scene, was directed to escort the vessel to Mumbai. Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialist will be embarking MV Chem Pluto on arrival at Mumbai to sanitise the vessel and undertake further investigation.

Indian Navy continues to monitor the situation very closely with all stakeholders and remains committed to ensuring safety of merchant shipping in the region.

India Navy's Preliminary Assessment

MV Chem Pluto, (Liberian Flag Chemical/Oil Tanker), carrying 21 Indian and 01 Vietnamese crew, earlier reported as attacked by suspected drone on 23 Dec 23, reached Mumbai and anchored safely at Outer Anchorage off Mumbai at 1530hr on 25 Dec 23.

On her arrival, the Indian Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team inspected the vessel to make a preliminary assessment of the type and nature of attack.

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.

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.

The ship is scheduled to undergo mandatory checks by the various inspecting authorities before undertaking Ship to Ship (STS) transfer of cargo.

This is likely to be followed by docking and repairs of the damaged portion of MV Chem Pluto.

Considering the recent spate of attacks in the Arabian Sea, Indian Navy has deployed Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata (Guided Missile Destroyers) in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence.

Long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft are being regularly tasked to maintain domain awareness.

Western Naval Command's Maritime Operations Centre is actively monitoring the situation in close coordination with Coast Guard and all concerned agencies.