New Delhi: Indian Navy’s deployed platforms responded swiftly to a maritime incident in the Arabian Sea involving a suspected missile/drone attack on the merchant vessel MT Chem Pluto. The vessel, carrying 22 crew members (21 Indian and one Vietnamese), was reported on fire after being hit by a projectile at approximately 0745 hours on 23 December 2023.
Reacting quickly to the unfolding situation, the Indian Navy diverted a maritime patrol aircraft already conducting routine surveillance in the area. Additionally, the Indian naval ship Mormugao was rerouted to assess the situation and offer assistance to MT Chem Pluto.
The naval maritime patrol aircraft flew over MT Chem Pluto at 1315 hours on 23 December 2023 and established communication with the crew. All 22 crew members were confirmed safe, and the fire had been extinguished. The Navy also disseminated details of the developing situation to all Indian maritime agencies for their support.
At 1930 hours on 23 December 2023, the Indian Naval Ship Mormugao established contact with MT Chem Pluto to determine if any assistance was needed. Subsequently, the coastal patrol ship CGS Vikram, also present at the scene, was directed to escort the vessel to Mumbai. Upon arrival in Mumbai, a Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialist will board MT Chem Pluto to secure the vessel and conduct further investigations.
The Indian Navy continues to closely monitor the situation in collaboration with all stakeholders and remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region.