2023 attack on the Chem Pluto

2023 attack on the Chem Pluto
Part of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict
Date23 December 2023
Location
Indian Ocean
Belligerents
Unknown  Liberia[1]
Commanders and leaders
Unknown Deepesh Badikkihil[2]
Units involved
Unknown Chem Pluto[1]
Strength
One suicide drone 20 Indian and one Vietnamese sailor[3][4]
Casualties and losses
One suicide drone None

On 23 December 2023, the Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned and Dutch-operated chemical tanker Chem Pluto was attacked by a one-way drone launched by Unknown attacker. United States blamed it on Iran, but Iranian foreign ministry denied any involvement.[1][5][6] At the time, it was carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia to India.[7] The attack caused a fire on board, and nobody was injured. The Indian Navy responded by sending a Vikram patrol vessel to the tanker.[8][9]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Bing, Christopher; Wallis, Daniel (23 December 2023). "Pentagon says Iranian drone 'attack' hit chemical tanker near India" (News article). Reuters. Archived from the original on 24 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  2. ↑ Singh, Rahul (23 December 2023). "Navy, coast guard swing into action after suspected drone attack on merchant ship". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 24 December 2023. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
  3. ↑ Peri, Dinakar; Bhattacherjee, Kallol (23 December 2023). "Vessel with 20 Indians on board hit by drone; Navy, Coast Guard step in". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 24 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  4. ↑ Indian Coast Guard (23 December 2023). "DRONE ATTACK ON MV CHEM PLUTO" (Post on 𝕏). 𝕏. Ministry of Defence. Archived from the original on 24 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023. DRONE ATTACK ON MV CHEM PLUTO-Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre,Mumbai received information regarding fire onboard MV Chem Pluto. The Merchant ship with 20 Indian &01 Vietnamese Crew was reportedly attacked by a suspected drone strike on aerial platform.(1/6)
  5. ↑ "Iran dismisses US accusations of tanker attack off India". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  6. ↑ "Oil tanker hit near Indian coast amid maritime hostilities against Israel by Houthis". The Times of Israel. 23 December 2023. Archived from the original on 23 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  7. ↑ "Israel-affiliated merchant vessel hit by aerial vehicle off India". Reuters. 23 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  8. ↑ "Drone attack hits ship off India's coast with 20 Indians on board, crew safe". Hindustan Times. 23 December 2023. Archived from the original on 23 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  9. ↑ "Suspected drone strike on cargo ship off Gujarat coast". The Indian Express. 23 December 2023. Archived from the original on 23 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.