Indian Navy Rescues Merchant Vessel Attacked By Iran-Backed Houthis In Red Sea, 22 Indians Among 30 Crew Members Safe

After a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MV Andromeda Star was attacked, a mission deployed Indian Naval Destroyer INS Kochi responded to its distress call on 26 April.

US Central Command reported, "Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea."

It added that a UK-owned, Panama-flagged and Seychelles-operated MV Andromeda Star reported minor damage and went on to continue its voyage.

Indian Navy posted on X, "The MV was intercepted by Indian Navy warship and an aerial recce by helo was undertaken to assess the situation."

The shipborne Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team was deployed onboard MV for residual risk assessment. The safety of a total of 30 crew (including 22 Indian nationals) was ensured.

The vessel is now continuing its scheduled transit to the next port. The swift action by the Indian Navy ship shows its commitment to safeguarding the seafarers plying through the region.

This adds to the latest response by the Indian Navy for maritime security, which has been facing concerns due to Houthi attacks since November last year.

Last month, the Indian Navy successfully thwarted a pirate attack in the Arabian Sea, rescuing 23 Pakistani nationals aboard the Iranian fishing vessel 'Al-Kambar 786'.