New Delhi: The Indian Navy swiftly responded to the maritime incident involving a drone attack on MT Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea and continues to monitor the situation very closely with all stakeholders, the Ministry of Defence informed in a press release.

The vessel with 22 crew (21 Indian and one Vietnamese) was reported on fire after being hit by a projectile at around 7:45 am on December 23 likely to be a missile or drone.

Responding swiftly to the developing situation, the Indian Navy diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in the area to undertake routine surveillance. Indian Navy also diverted the Indian naval ship Mormugao to assess the situation and provide assistance to MT Chem Pluto.

The naval maritime patrol aircraft overflew MT Chem Pluto at 1:15 pm on December 23 and established contact with the crew. The crew reported all 22 crew members to be safe and that the fire had been extinguished. The Navy also communicated details of the developing situation to all Indian maritime agencies for rendering necessary assistance, the Ministry stated.

Indian Naval Ship Mormugao communicated with MT Chem Pluto at 7:30 pm on December 23 to ascertain if any assistance was required. CGS Vikram, which was also present at the scene, was directed to escort the vessel to Mumbai.

Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialist will be embarking MV Chem Pluto on arrival at Mumbai to sanitise the vessel and undertake further investigation.

Indian Navy continues to monitor the situation very closely with all stakeholders and remains committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region, the Ministry added.