New Delhi: The Indian Navy rescued Liberian commercial ship MSC Sky II with 23 crew members, including 13 Indians onboard, after it was targeted in the Gulf of Aden on Monday.
The vessel, traveling about 90 nautical miles southeast of Aden, was reported to be ablaze following a “drone/missile attack” on Monday evening, according to a statement from the Indian Navy.
“INS Kolkata, mission deployed in the region for maritime security operations, promptly responded and arrived at the scene of the incident by 10.30 pm. A specialised firefighting team of 12 personnel embarked the vessel in early hours of Tuesday to assist in the firefighting efforts. Specialist EOD team also provided assistance in residual risk assessment,” the Navy statement read.
A specialised Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team also embarked on the vessel to offer aid in evaluating any remaining risks. “Relentless efforts by mission deployed platforms symbolise Indian Navy’s resolve in ensuring safety and security of merchant shipping and seafarers plying in the region,” a spokesperson of the Indian Navy said in a post on X.
The incident took place a day after assertions by Houthi militants, who claimed responsibility for the assault on the Liberian-flagged, Swiss-owned container vessel in the Gulf of Aden.
