Indian Navy Moving Towards Israel-Linked Merchant Ship, With 20 Indians Onboard, Hit By Suspected Drone Attack

In a swift response to a suspected drone attack, the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard vessels are currently en route to the MV Chem Pluto, a merchant vessel ablaze in the Arabian Sea.

The merchant ship was spotted 217 nautical miles off the coast of Porbandar on Saturday, according per an ANI report.

All crew members including around 20 Indians . The ICGS Vikram has alerted all ships in the area to provide assistance to it, according to defence officials.

Taking swift action, the Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS Vikram, deployed on patrol of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone started moving towards the merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto in distress.

The Indian Navy warships in the vicinity are also moving towards the distressed vessel with around 20 Indian crew members who are all reported to be safe.

The vessel has crude oil and was going towards Mangalore from a port in Saudi Arabia. The fire has been reportedly extinguished but has affected the functioning of vessel, according to defence officials.