The Indian Navy played a crucial role in the rescue of Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MV Andromeda Star following a missile attack by Houthi militants on April 26. The Indian destroyer INS Kochi promptly responded to the distress call, swiftly reaching the vessel and launching an aerial reconnaissance mission to assess the situation. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of the Navy was also deployed to carry out a thorough inspection and neutralize any potential risks.
All 30 crew members, including 22 Indian nationals, were reported safe and unharmed. The vessel sustained minor damage but was able to continue its scheduled transit to its next destination. The Houthi militants, backed by Iran, launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen into the Red Sea, targeting the merchant vessel Maisha and MV Andromeda Star.
The Indian Navy’s swift and effective response underscores its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of seafarers and maintaining maritime security in the region. The attack on MV Andromeda Star marks another incident in the alarming pattern of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi militants, highlighting the growing concerns over maritime security in the area.
