Israel-affiliated merchant vessel hit by Iranian drone off India

An Israel-affiliated merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea off India's west coast was struck by an unmanned aerial vehicle, causing a fire, British maritime security firm Ambrey said on Saturday.

The fire on the Liberian-flagged chemical products tanker was extinguished without crew casualties in the incident 200 km (120 miles) southwest of Veraval, India, it said.

"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.

Connection to Houthi attacks?

An Indian Navy official told Reuters that it responded to a request for assistance on Saturday morning.

"The safety of crew and ship has been ascertained. The Navy has also dispatched a warship to arrive in the area and provide assistance as required," the official said, declining to be named as he was not authorized to discuss the incident.

It follows drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthis, who say they are supporting Palestinians under siege by Israel in the Gaza Strip, on commercial shipping, forcing shippers to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.

A Pentagon spokesperson stated on Saturday that the Chem Pluto was hit by a one-way attack drone fired from Iran.

"No US Navy vessels were in the vicinity. US Naval Forces Central Command remains in communication with the vessel as it continues toward a destination in India," said the spokesperson. "This is the seventh Iranian attack on commercial shipping since 2021.”

Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.