MV Chem Pluto, was hit by drone in Arabian Sea safely reached Mumbai

MUMBAI : MV Chem Pluto, (the Liberian flag chemical/oil tanker), carrying 21 Indian and one Vietnamese crew, which was allegedly attacked by a suspected drone on December 23, reached Mumbai and anchored safely at Outer Anchorage at around 3:30 pm on Monday.

On her arrival, the Indian Navy’s explosive ordnance disposal team carried out a detailed inspection of the merchant 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 the type and amount of explosive used.

The commercial vessel, with 21 Indian crew members, was struck by a drone about 217 nautical miles from Porbandar on Saturday, following which both the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard deployed a number of assets to provide assistance to the ship.

A joint investigation by various agencies has commenced after completion of the analysis by the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Team.

“An Indian Navy team is assessing the damage caused by the strike and also investigating how the attack was carried out in the Arabian Sea. Indian Navy warships will be further enhancing their patrolling in the region to keep the Indian and other merchant vessels safe in the region,” defence officials told news agency