News Desk, Kolkata : Indian Navy’s Heroic Rescue in the Arabian Sea: Foiling Drone Attack on Merchant Ship ;
In a dramatic turn of events in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy showcased remarkable prowess as they thwarted a drone attack on a valuable merchant vessel in the waters of the Gulf of Aden. The targeted ship, identified as MV Jenko Picardy, found itself in the crosshairs of an aerial assault orchestrated by unidentified assailants.
The incident unfolded on the early morning of January 18, when MV Jenko Picardy reported a drone attack near the strategically vital waters of the Gulf of Aden. Acting swiftly, the Indian Navy deployed its warship, INS Vishakhapatnam, to the scene. This rescue operation marked a testament to the Navy’s agility in safeguarding maritime trade routes against emerging threats.
#IndianNavy's Guided Missile Destroyer #INSVisakhapatnam, mission deployed in #GulfofAden for #antipiracy ops, swiftly responded to 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 by Marshall Island flagged MV #GencoPicardy following a 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙠 at 2311 hrs on #17Jan 24 & intercepted the… pic.twitter.com/FOs5aAxLzV
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 18, 2024
MV Jenko Picardy, a Maldivian-flagged vessel, faced the brunt of the attack, with the drone igniting a fire on board. The 22 crew members, including nine Indian nationals, remained unharmed, thanks to the prompt response of the naval forces. The fire, caused by the drone’s impact, was swiftly brought under control, averting a potential disaster at sea.
In a detailed statement, the Indian Navy revealed that the vessel was en route to its destination when the drone attack occurred. The naval experts, specializing in bomb disposal, thoroughly examined the affected area of the ship. After a meticulous assessment, they ensured the vessel’s safety for onward navigation. The vessel’s route was adjusted, and it proceeded on its intended course under the watchful eye of the Indian Navy.
This heroic intervention comes in the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, particularly due to the ongoing conflict involving Houthi rebels in Yemen disrupting commercial shipping lanes. The significance of the Arabian Sea as a major global trade route underscores the need for maritime security measures to counter potential threats.
The deployment of drones in attacks on commercial vessels has become an alarming trend in recent times. Notably, on December 23, in a nearby region off the western coast of India, another merchant ship, MV Kem Pluto, faced a drone attack. The Indian Navy swiftly responded, rescuing all 21 crew members on board. Prior to this, on December 14, MV RUEEN, a Maltese-flagged vessel, also fell victim to a similar attack, further emphasizing the evolving challenges faced by maritime security.
Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of Naval Staff, commended the swift and efficient response of the Indian Navy in both incidents. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the safety and security of maritime trade routes in the face of emerging threats, particularly in the strategic waters of the Arabian Sea.
As the Indian Navy continues to uphold its commitment to maritime security, these incidents highlight the evolving nature of threats in the region. The successful rescue operations serve as a testament to the Navy’s preparedness and capability to tackle unconventional challenges, ensuring the safety of seafarers and the unhindered flow of global trade. The Arabian Sea, with its strategic significance, remains a focal point for international efforts to safeguard maritime interests and promote stability in the region.
DISCLAIMER
Our news media denounces any form of bias and disapproves of sensationalism. The disseminated news is entirely educational and aimed at social awareness. Our media maintains absolute impartiality, adhering solely to the purpose of education and social consciousness.
