In a recent operation, the Indian Navy successfully rescued the 23-member crew, including 13 Indians, of the Liberian-flagged commercial ship MSC Sky II. The vessel had fallen victim to a drone strike in the Gulf of Aden on March 4, around 90 nautical miles southeast of Aden.
The Indian Navy promptly deployed its warship, INS Kolkata, to provide assistance. Upon reaching the scene by 2230 hours (IST), INS Kolkata found the merchant vessel engulfed in smoke and fire. Responding swiftly, the Navy escorted MSC Sky II to the territorial waters of Djibouti, following the master’s request.
A specialized firefighting team consisting of 12 Indian Navy personnel boarded the merchant vessel during the early hours of Tuesday. They successfully extinguished the remaining fire and smoke. Additionally, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team assessed residual risks.
The good news is that all 23 crew members, including the 13 Indian nationals, are reported safe. MSC Sky II is now en route to its next destination under the protection and assistance of the Indian Navy.
This incident underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety of seafarers navigating through the Gulf of Aden region. The global community has expressed growing concerns about attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, particularly by Houthi militants.
In recent weeks, the Indian Navy has been actively involved in aiding various merchant vessels in the Western Indian Ocean following attacks. The Navy’s quick and effective response in this latest operation highlights its dedication to safeguarding maritime activities in the region.
