Drone Strike Hits 'Israel-Linked' Trade Vessel Near Indian Coast; At Least 21 Indian Crew Members on Board

A drone strike damaged a merchant ship in the Indian Ocean but caused no casualties, two maritime agencies said on Saturday, with one reporting the vessel was linked to Israel. The attack involved an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel 200 nautical miles southwest of Veraval, India.

The unclaimed attack caused a fire on board, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and maritime security firm Ambrey, which said the “Liberia-flagged chemical/products tanker… was Israel-affiliated.”

The military sources said the vessel now heading towards the nearest port. The vessel was reportedly bringing crude oil from a port in Saudi Arabia to Mangalore port.

“UKMTO have received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. Incident 200NM South West of Veraval, India. Fire extinguished, no casualties Authorities are investigating,” UKMTO said in a statement. “Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” it added.

As per government sources, the incident happened close to the Indian coast, however, it was away from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

At least 21 members in the crew are Indian nationals and the Indian Navy is expected to reach and investigate as it is the resident power, they said.

An Indian Navy aircraft has reached the location and confirmed the safety of the vessel and crew members onboard. A naval warship is en route to ascertain the safety and security aspects.

A recent surge in attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels from Yemen has disrupted a major global trade route. The Houthis targeted Israeli-linked vessels over the Israel-Hamas war initially, but then escalated their attacks, hitting ships without clear ties. The attacks on commercial ships have led to the rerouting of a majority of global trade away from the crucial maritime artery for consumer goods and energy supplies.

According to The Associated Press, Oil, natural gas, grain and everything from toys to electronics typically travel through the waterway separating Africa and the Arabian Peninsula en route to the Suez Canal, where 12% of the world’s trade passes. Some of the world’s largest container shipping companies and oil giant BP are sending vessels on longer journeys that bypass the Red Sea. In response to the growing impact on global trade, the US and a host of other nations have created a new force to protect ships dubbed “Operation Prosperity Guardian.”

(With inputs from Akash Sharma)