Indian Navy responds swiftly to protect oil ship from Houthi militant attack, ensures crew safety

The Indian Navy swiftly responded to an attack on the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MV Andromeda Star by Iran-backed Houthi militants, ensuring the safety of all 30 crew members.

Navy response to attack

The Indian Navy's destroyer INS Kochi promptly reacted after Houthi militants fired missiles at the Andromeda Star oil tanker vessel in the Red Sea. The vessel, with 30 crew members on board, including 22 Indians, was under attack by the militants.

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Crew safety ensured

In a swift operation, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from the Navy was dispatched to the tanker to conduct a risk assessment. Fortunately, all crew members were reported safe. The vessel continued its journey to the next port under the protection of the Indian Navy.

The Houthi militants have been targeting foreign commercial ships in the Red Sea in support of the Palestinian group Hamas during the Gaza war. The Andromeda Star, previously British-owned and recently sold to a new owner from Seychelles, was engaged in Russia-linked trade and was en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India, according to Houthi reports.

The Indian Navy's rapid and decisive action highlights its commitment to safeguarding seafarers navigating through the region.

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