Israel Affiliated Merchant Vessel Hit By Drone Strike Off India's West Cost

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a merchant vessel connected to Israel in the Arabian Sea off the west coast of India, according to Reuters. The fire broke out on the Liberian-flagged chemical products tanker, which was extinguished later, the report said, quoting British maritime security firm Ambrey.

No crew casualties were reported. The incident took place 200 kilometres (120 miles) southwest of Veraval, India.

“Some structural damage was also reported, and some water was taken onboard. The vessel was Israel-affiliated. She had last called Saudi Arabia and was destined for India at the time,” the firm said on its website.

According to the report, the Indian Navy retaliated to the attack. However, the Navy has not confirmed the developments.

The incident has drawn special attention across the world, as it happened over Houthi rebels targeting ships along the Red Sea in protest against Israel”s Gaza attack. Following this, many container shipping companies were compelled to avoid the Red Sea route, leading to delays in goods movement and the burden of high fuel costs on shipping companies as they took longer routes circumventing Africa.