<p>New details have emerged about the drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, specifying that it resulted in an onboard fire, subsequently extinguished by the ship's crew. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean region's (IFC IOR) weekly report highlighted a total power failure post-attack, leading to the vessel drifting until the crew rectified the defect.</p>

<p>The report emphasised that no crew members were injured&nbsp;in this incident; however, "the vessel reported substantial damages at the stern section and internal compartments." The drone exploded on the poop deck, pictures reveal.</p>

<p>On 23 Dec, about 220 miles off the Indian coast in the Arabian Sea, the Liberia-flagged tanker was attacked while en route from Jubail, Saudi Arabia, to New Mangalore, India.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-ship-attacks-inside-disrupted-shipping-route-over-west-asias-gate-of-tears-673216">Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears'</a></strong></p>

<p>Gurugram-based IFC-IOR, overseeing vessel movements in the Indian Ocean region was quick to inform the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, prompting a swift response with deployed assets. Following IFC-IOR inputs, an Indian Navy aircraft, a warship, and a Coast Guard ship were diverted to aid MV CHEM PLUTO.</p>

<p>The tanker was safely escorted by the Indian Coast Guard ship Vikram to Mumbai for repairs and further investigation of the attack. Upon arrival, the Indian Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal team conducted a preliminary assessment of the vessel to determine the type and nature of the attack.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Houthis 10-hour onslaught in Red Sea after US announces Naval coalition | World News | WION</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-10-hour-onslaught-in-red-sea-after-us-announces-naval-coalition-world-news-wion-674178/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Further forensic and technical analysis will be essential to establish the attack vector, encompassing the type and quantity of explosive used.</p>

<p>From December 21-27, multiple drone incidents occurred, according to the Indian Navy Institute's report. On December 23, in the Red Sea, a US Navy ship intercepted and destroyed four drones. On December 26, within 10 hours in the Red Sea, Yemen, a US Navy ship successfully intercepted and neutralized 12 drones, three Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles, and two Land-Attack Cruise Missiles.</p>

<p>Given the recent surge in attacks in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has strategically deployed Guided Missile Destroyers—INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata—to different areas, ensuring a deterrent presence. Long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft are consistently assigned to uphold domain awareness.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed to take strong action against the culprits behind the MV Chem Pluto attack emphasising that India is the Net Security Provider in the vast Indian Ocean Region. Prime Minister Modi also discussed the Red Sea situation with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscoring the imperative of preserving maritime security and unfettered navigation.</p>


New details have emerged about the drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, specifying that it resulted in an onboard fire, subsequently extinguished by the ship's crew. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean region's (IFC IOR) weekly report highlighted a total power failure post-attack, leading to the vessel drifting until the crew rectified the defect.

New details have emerged about the drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, specifying that it resulted in an onboard fire, subsequently extinguished by the ship's crew. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean region's (IFC IOR) weekly report highlighted a total power failure post-attack, leading to the vessel drifting until the crew rectified the defect. The report emphasised that no crew members were injured in this incident; however, "the vessel reported substantial damages at the stern section and internal compartments." The drone exploded on the poop deck, pictures reveal. On 23 Dec, about 220 miles off the Indian coast in the Arabian Sea, the Liberia-flagged tanker was attacked while en route from Jubail, Saudi Arabia, to New Mangalore, India. Also read | Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears' Gurugram-based IFC-IOR, overseeing vessel movements in the Indian Ocean region was quick to inform the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, prompting a swift response with deployed assets. Following IFC-IOR inputs, an Indian Navy aircraft, a warship, and a Coast Guard ship were diverted to aid MV CHEM PLUTO. The tanker was safely escorted by the Indian Coast Guard ship Vikram to Mumbai for repairs and further investigation of the attack. Upon arrival, the Indian Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal team conducted a preliminary assessment of the vessel to determine the type and nature of the attack. Also watch | Houthis 10-hour onslaught in Red Sea after US announces Naval coalition | World News | WION × Further forensic and technical analysis will be essential to establish the attack vector, encompassing the type and quantity of explosive used. From December 21-27, multiple drone incidents occurred, according to the Indian Navy Institute's report. On December 23, in the Red Sea, a US Navy ship intercepted and destroyed four drones. On December 26, within 10 hours in the Red Sea, Yemen, a US Navy ship successfully intercepted and neutralized 12 drones, three Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles, and two Land-Attack Cruise Missiles. Given the recent surge in attacks in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has strategically deployed Guided Missile Destroyers—INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata—to different areas, ensuring a deterrent presence. Long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft are consistently assigned to uphold domain awareness. Earlier this week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed to take strong action against the culprits behind the MV Chem Pluto attack emphasising that India is the Net Security Provider in the vast Indian Ocean Region. Prime Minister Modi also discussed the Red Sea situation with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscoring the imperative of preserving maritime security and unfettered navigation.

Drone attack sparked fire, total power failure on MV Chem Pluto ship

<p>Indian newspaper Hindustan Times, citing unnamed sources, reported that the initial investigation of the debris recovered from the Merchant Vessel (MV) Chem Pluto has hinted at the use of Iranian Shahed 136 loitering ammunition in the attack which was carried out while the ship was on its way to New Mangalore Port through the Arabian Sea.</p>

<p>The Central Forensic Science Laboratory has been examining the missile debris in Pune which is set to submit a full report in a week, claimed the report. The Shahed 136 is a variant of the Russian Geran-2 expendable drone and has a range of 2,500 km as well as a warhead of 50 kg and delta wings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-vows-to-find-out-who-is-behind-drone-attack-off-its-coast-673706">India vows to find out culprit behind drone attack on merchant ships off its coast, take strict action</a></p>

<p>As per the report, the Indian Navy has recovered what looked like the loitering ammunition's burnt-out wings. The initial reports had suggested the involvement of two Iranian vessels - MV Saviz (general cargo and 100 nautical miles off the attacked ship) and MV Artenos (Bulk carrier 280 nautical miles of MV Chem Pluto) - in firing the missile. However, the Indian Navy did not find anything on the two vessels after the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Experts carry out forensic analysis of debris</strong></h2>

<p>Experts suggested that the explosives had fully detonated while examining the debris and concluded that it was definitely a drone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists, after preliminary analysis and sanitisation, said that the explosive charge on the drone "detonated completely causing extensive damage above the waterline".</p>

<p>"Remnants of projectile have been collected by the Indian Navy for further forensic analysis," said the Indian Navy, while speaking to the media. After the drone strike, India is now set to deploy warships, aircraft and other assets in the Indian Ocean to protect merchant vessels.</p>

<p>"In light of the recent maritime incidents in the Arabian Sea, IN has commenced focused maritime security operations in the region. The presence of IN warships and air surveillance in the region has been enhanced. Actions are being progressed in coordination with national maritime agencies towards ensuring the safety of merchant marine in the region," said the Navy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;WION access first images of damaged MV Chem Pluto, merchant ship that was attcked in Arabian Sea</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-access-first-images-of-damaged-mv-chem-pluto-merchant-ship-that-was-attcked-in-arabian-sea-673535/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The destroyers have already been moved by the Navy and the Indian Coast Guard in the Arabian Sea. On Saturday (Dec 24), three warships - MV Mormugao, Kochi and Kolkata - as well as maritime patrol aircraft were deployed after the drone attack was reported by UK Maritime Trade Operations, or UKMTO.</p>

<p>The US Defence headquarters Pentagon stated that the ship was hit by "a one-way attack drone fired from Iran".</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government will track down those involved in the attacks on Merchant Navy ships, "even from the depths of the sea" and action will be taken against them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian newspaper Hindustan Times, citing unnamed sources, reported that the initial investigation of the debris recovered from the Merchant Vessel (MV) Chem Pluto has hinted at the use of Iranian Shahed 136 loitering ammunition in the attack which was carried out while the ship was on its way to New Mangalore Port through the Arabian Sea.

Indian newspaper Hindustan Times, citing unnamed sources, reported that the initial investigation of the debris recovered from the Merchant Vessel (MV) Chem Pluto has hinted at the use of Iranian Shahed 136 loitering ammunition in the attack which was carried out while the ship was on its way to New Mangalore Port through the Arabian Sea. The Central Forensic Science Laboratory has been examining the missile debris in Pune which is set to submit a full report in a week, claimed the report. The Shahed 136 is a variant of the Russian Geran-2 expendable drone and has a range of 2,500 km as well as a warhead of 50 kg and delta wings. Also read: India vows to find out culprit behind drone attack on merchant ships off its coast, take strict action As per the report, the Indian Navy has recovered what looked like the loitering ammunition's burnt-out wings. The initial reports had suggested the involvement of two Iranian vessels - MV Saviz (general cargo and 100 nautical miles off the attacked ship) and MV Artenos (Bulk carrier 280 nautical miles of MV Chem Pluto) - in firing the missile. However, the Indian Navy did not find anything on the two vessels after the incident. Experts carry out forensic analysis of debris Experts suggested that the explosives had fully detonated while examining the debris and concluded that it was definitely a drone. Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists, after preliminary analysis and sanitisation, said that the explosive charge on the drone "detonated completely causing extensive damage above the waterline". "Remnants of projectile have been collected by the Indian Navy for further forensic analysis," said the Indian Navy, while speaking to the media. After the drone strike, India is now set to deploy warships, aircraft and other assets in the Indian Ocean to protect merchant vessels. "In light of the recent maritime incidents in the Arabian Sea, IN has commenced focused maritime security operations in the region. The presence of IN warships and air surveillance in the region has been enhanced. Actions are being progressed in coordination with national maritime agencies towards ensuring the safety of merchant marine in the region," said the Navy. Watch: WION access first images of damaged MV Chem Pluto, merchant ship that was attcked in Arabian Sea The destroyers have already been moved by the Navy and the Indian Coast Guard in the Arabian Sea. On Saturday (Dec 24), three warships - MV Mormugao, Kochi and Kolkata - as well as maritime patrol aircraft were deployed after the drone attack was reported by UK Maritime Trade Operations, or UKMTO. The US Defence headquarters Pentagon stated that the ship was hit by "a one-way attack drone fired from Iran". Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government will track down those involved in the attacks on Merchant Navy ships, "even from the depths of the sea" and action will be taken against them. (With inputs from agencies)

MV Chem Pluto drone attack: Initial investigation of debris hints at Iran link, says report

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"A Joint Investigation by various agencies has commenced on completion of the analysis by the Navy's Explosive Ordnance Team," the statement further added.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking: Indian Navy issues 2nd statement on MV Chem Pluto vessel attack. Says,<br />
-Indian Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team inspected the vessel<br />
-Analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the ship points towards a drone attack.<br />
-Joint Investigation being undertaken <a href="https://t.co/NC1b7XLtjq">https://t.co/NC1b7XLtjq</a> <a href="https://t.co/NXQdYuGLAu">pic.twitter.com/NXQdYuGLAu</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1739315604757340200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-held-in-france-with-303-indian-passengers-onboard-departs-for-mumbai-673434">Plane held in France with 303 Indian passengers onboard departs for Mumbai</a></p>

<h2><strong>Iran rejects US claims of Tehran&nbsp;attacking&nbsp;tanker off India coast</strong></h2>

<p>Following the Pentagon's allegations condemning Tehran of an attack targetting tanker off India&nbsp;coast, Iran's foreign ministry rebuffed the claims as worthless.</p>

<p>"We declare these claims as completely rejected and worthless," said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani when asked about the US accusations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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.

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)

MV Chem Pluto: Indian Navy deploys three warships in Arabian Sea to counter attacks, launches probe

The merchant ship MV Chem Pluto which was attacked by a drone on Saturday will be arriving in Mumbai today. The vessel is being escorted by Indian Coast Guard ship Vikram. In response to the attack, the Indian Navy diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in Area. Naval maritime patrol aircraft flew over MV Chem Pluto and established contact.

US alleges Iran behind attack drone attack on MV Chem Pluto in Arabian Sea

WION access first images of damaged MV Chem Pluto, merchant ship that was attcked in Arabian Sea

The merchant ship MV Chem Pluto which was attacked by a drone on Saturday will be arriving in Mumbai today. The vessel is being escorted by Indian Coast Guard ship Vikram.

MV Chem Pluto attacked in Arabian Sea, was enroute Mangalore from Jubail, Saudi Arabia | WION

Indian Navy to investigate drone attack on MV Chem Pluto | World DNA

India: Merchant ship attacked in Arabian Sea, indian Navy responds

mv-chem-pluto

Mv Chem Pluto, News on Mv Chem Pluto, stories on Mv Chem Pluto, articles on Mv Chem Pluto, Mv Chem Pluto stories at Wion, Mv Chem Pluto news, Mv Chem Pluto latest news

mv chem-pluto