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New Delhi, India
The Indian Navy on Monday (Dec 25) said that MV Chem Pluto, carrying 21 Indians and one Vietnamese crew, which was earlier reported as attacked by a suspected drone on Saturday (Dec 23), reached Mumbai and was safely anchored at Outer Anchorage off India's financial capital.
On its arrival, the Indian Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team inspected the vessel to make a preliminary assessment of the type and nature of the 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 type and amount of explosive used," the Indian Navy said in a statement.
"A Joint Investigation by various agencies has commenced on completion of the analysis by the Navy's Explosive Ordnance Team," the statement further added.
MV Chem Pluto has been cleared for further operation by her company-in-charge in Mumbai. The ship is scheduled to undergo mandatory checks by the various inspecting authorities before undertaking Ship to Ship (STS) transfer of cargo. This is likely to be followed by docking and repairs of the damaged portion of MV Chem Pluto, the Indian Navy said.
Breaking: Indian Navy issues 2nd statement on MV Chem Pluto vessel attack. Says,
-Indian Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team inspected the vessel
-Analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the ship points towards a drone attack.
-Joint Investigation being undertaken https://t.co/NC1b7XLtjq pic.twitter.com/NXQdYuGLAu
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 25, 2023
Taking into consideration a spate of attacks on commercial vessels, the Navy deployed warships INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata to maintain a deterrent presence in the region, said the officials.
Also read: Plane held in France with 303 Indian passengers onboard departs for Mumbai
Iran rejects US claims of Tehran attacking tanker off India coast
Following the Pentagon's allegations condemning Tehran of an attack targetting tanker off India coast, Iran's foreign ministry rebuffed the claims as worthless.
"We declare these claims as completely rejected and worthless," said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani when asked about the US accusations.
"Such claims are aimed at projecting, distracting public attention, and covering up for the full support of the American government for the crimes of the Zionist regime (Israel) in Gaza," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)