Published: 10:56, December 24, 2023 | Updated: 11:02, December 24, 2023
Drone attack hits ship off India's coast
By Xinhua

In this undated handout picture released on December 2, 2008, an Indian Coast Guard (ICG) helicopter and ship take part in an exercise off the coast of Porbandar in The Arabian Sea. (PHOTO / AFP)

NEW DELHI - A drone attack hit a ship off India's coast in the Arabian Sea Saturday, local media reports said.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the attack caused an explosion and fire on the merchant ship. However, no casualties have been reported.

A local media report quoted Ambrey, a maritime security firm, as saying "Liberia-flagged chemical/products tanker ... was Israel-affiliated" and had been on its way from Saudi Arabia to India

"UKMTO have received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. Incident 200NM South West of Veraval, India. Fire extinguished, no casualties," a statement issued by the UKMTO said. "Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO."

Indian media reports said the crew onboard included 20 Indians.

A local media report quoted Ambrey, a maritime security firm, as saying "Liberia-flagged chemical/products tanker ... was Israel-affiliated" and had been on its way from Saudi Arabia to India.

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Reports said Indian Coast Guard and navy vessels were moving toward the merchant vessel.