ICG responds after suspected drone attack on merchant vessel off Gujarat coast

Porbandar: A Merchant ship MV Chem Pluto was reportedly attacked by a suspected drone strike or aerial platform today. Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Mumbai received information regarding fire onboard this Merchant ship with 20 Indian and 01 Vietnamese Crew.

The Indian Coast Guard Maritime Coordination Centre (MRCC) established real time communication with the vessel’s agent and ascertained nil loss of life and assured all assistance.It was also learnt that the vessel fire has been doused by the crew. For augmenting vessel’s safety MRCC mumbai has activated ISN and immediately diverted other merchant vessels in vicinity of Chem Pluto for rendering assistance.

The Indian Coast Guard also pressed Offshore patrol vessel Vikram and Coast Guard dornier maritime surveillance aircraft into action for rendering assistance to Chem Pluto. The Coast Guard Dornier aircraft has sanitized area and established communication with Chem Pluto. The vessel has started making way towards mumbai post undertaking damage assessment and repairs on its power generation systems . The vessel is likely to enter Mumbai and sought escort assistance due to steering issues. Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram will be escorting the ship during its passage. The Indian Coast Guard Operations Centre is monitoring situation closely.

It is learned that the Merchant Navy ship MV Marlin was also diverted toward the vessel, and it has been reported that the crew was found to be safe.

The merchant vessel has reportedly commenced its Voyage from UAE on 19 Dec 23 and was bound for New Mangalore port with arrival on 25 Dec 23. DeshGujarat