Amidst the realm of maritime affairs, a swift response from the Indian Navy was witnessed as they came to the aid of a Panama-flagged vessel named MV Andromeda Star, housing a crew of 30 individuals, of which 22 were of Indian descent, after it fell victim to a missile onslaught orchestrated by Houthi insurgents.
In the aftermath of the attack, the Indian Navy’s formidable destroyer, INS Kochi, emerged as the beacon of rescue, ensuring the safety of all souls aboard the targeted vessel, MV Andromeda Star, on the eventful day of April 26.
According to reports emanating from the US Central Command, the assault was the handiwork of Houthi militants with ties to Iran, who launched a barrage of three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen into the confines of the Red Sea, dangerously close to merchant ships such as the Maisha and the aforementioned MV Andromeda Star.
The MV Andromeda Star, a vessel under the Panama flag and operationally controlled by entities based in Seychelles, sustained minor damages, as confirmed by the US Central Command.
Detailing the sequence of events, the Indian Navy emphasized the proactive deployment of INS Kochi to counter the maritime security crisis triggered by the aggression aimed at MV Andromeda Star, an action emblematic of their unwavering commitment to maritime safety.
Subsequent to intercepting the distressed vessel, the Indian Navy orchestrated an aerial reconnaissance mission, employing helicopter assets to meticulously evaluate the prevailing circumstances, indicative of a judicious approach towards crisis management.
In a bid to mitigate residual risks, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was promptly dispatched to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment, as stated in the official statement released by the Navy.
Reassuringly, all 30 crew members, including the 22 Indian nationals, were confirmed to be unharmed, with the vessel resuming its scheduled voyage towards its designated port, underscoring the efficacy of the Indian Navy’s intervention.
The swift and decisive response from the Indian Navy underscores their steadfast resolve in safeguarding the maritime interests of seafarers traversing through these perilous waters, symbolizing a testament to their unwavering dedication.
This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the escalating global apprehensions surrounding the recurring attacks orchestrated by Houthi insurgents against commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea. In recent times, the Indian Navy has been at the forefront, extending timely assistance to numerous merchant ships navigating the Western Indian Ocean, following similar acts of aggression perpetrated against them.