INS Kochi responded to Houthi attack on oil tanker in Red Sea, crew including 22 Indians safe

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INS Kochi, a naval destroyer of the Indian Navy, immediately responded to a distress call from the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MV Andromeda Star, which was reportedly attacked in the Red Sea on April 26, 2024. According to an official statement, the Indian Navy conducted an aerial reconnaissance mission by a helicopter to assess the situation, following which it deployed an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team on board MV Andromeda Star to assess any remaining risk. I went.

All 30 crew members, including 22 Indian nationals, are reported to be safe, and the ship is proceeding on its scheduled voyage to the next port.

“A total of 30 crew (including 22 Indian nationals) are reported to be safe and the ship is continuing its scheduled transit to the next port. The prompt action of the IN ship reiterates the commitment and resolve of the Indian Navy in the safety of the seafarers Moving through the area,” the Navy said.

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Houthis begin targeting ships belonging to America, Israel, Britain in the Red Sea

According to a report by news agency Reuters, the attack on the MV Andromeda Star was claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who said their missiles targeted the tanker as part of ongoing support for Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict Was. The attack was confirmed by US Central Command, which attributed the incident to Iran-backed Houthi militants launching three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen, resulting in minor damage to the Andromeda Star. The ship’s owner reported damage, which was confirmed by British maritime security firm Embrey.

Although one missile fell near another ship, MV Maisha, it reportedly did not cause any damage. Houthi spokesman Yahya Sariya claimed that the Andromeda Star was British-owned, but shipping data indicates a recent ownership change, with the current owner registered in the Seychelles. The report said the ship, which was engaged in trade with Russia, was heading from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India at the time of the attack.

Houthi militants have been carrying out drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding areas since November, raising concerns about the impact on shipping routes and the potential for instability in the Middle East. The attack on the Andromeda Star marked the resumption of the Houthis targeting ships linked to Israel, the United States and Britain after a brief hiatus. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, which was providing assistance to the US-led coalition protecting commercial shipping, exited the Red Sea through the Suez Canal on Friday.

In a separate incident, the Houthis on Friday claimed responsibility for shooting down a US MQ-9 drone in Yemen’s Saada province airspace.