Maritime security concerns rise as drone targets cargo ship off India
In an incident raising regional security concerns, an Israeli-affiliated cargo ship carrying chemicals narrowly averted disaster after being targeted by a drone attack off the coast of India on Saturday, as reported by Reuters.
Maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed the attack on the Liberian-flagged vessel, approximately 200 kilometres southwest of Veraval, India. While the fire onboard was extinguished without crew casualties, Ambrey reported "some structural damage and water ingress" to the ship, which had last called at Saudi Arabia and was en route to India at the time.
"The cause of the fire is still under investigation," Ambrey stated, acknowledging the possibility of the drone carrying explosives. This attack comes amidst heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, with recent months witnessing alleged Iranian attacks on Israeli-linked ships.
Officials remain tight-lipped about the perpetrators and motives behind the drone attack. The incident underscores the growing maritime security concerns in the region and the potential for further escalation in regional tensions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
