Indian Navy Assists Panama-Flagged Oil Tanker, With 30 Onboard, After Houthi Missile Attack

New Delhi: The Indian Navy INS Kochi responded to a maritime security incident involving attack on Panama flagged crude oil tanker MV Andromeda Star PM On April 26. The Indian Navy swiftly assisted the oil tanker with 30 crew members including 22 Indians after the vessel came under missile attack from Houthi militants.

The US Central Command said that Iranian-backed Houthi militants launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen into the Red Sea in the vicinity of merchant vessel Maisha and MV Andromeda Star. It added that MV Andromeda Star is a Panaman-flagged and Seychelles-operated vessel and it has reported minor damage.

"A mission deployed Indian Naval destroyer INS Kochi responded to a maritime security incident involving the attack on Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MV Andromeda Star on April 26," the Indian Navy said, reported PTI.

Indian Navy intercepted the vessel and aerial recce involving helicopter operation that was undertaken to assess the situation. In a statement, the Indian Navy said an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of the Navy was also deployed to carry out "residual risk assessment".

"A total of 30 crew including 22 Indian nationals are reported to be safe and the vessel is continuing its scheduled transit to the next port," it said.

The Navy further added, "The swift action of the Indian Navy ship reiterates the commitment and resolve of the Indian Navy in safeguarding the seafarers plying through the region."

(With inputs from PTI)