Ship docks in Mumbai safely after drone strike

Merchant vessel Chem Pluto, the target of a drone attack in the Arabian Sea on December 23, on Monday reached Mumbai escorted by Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram, and the Indian Navy's explosive ordnance disposal specialists embarked the vessel for a preliminary assessment that pointed towards a drone attack, the navy said in a statement.

- Rahul Singh

The Indian Navy, coast guard and intelligence agencies have begun a joint investigation after the analysis by the specialists.

"On her arrival, the Indian Navy explosive ordnance disposal team inspected the vessel to make a preliminary assessment of the type and nature of attack. Analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the ship points towards a drone attack. However, further forensic and technical analysis will be required to establish the vector of attack, including type and amount of explosive used," the statement said.

The Liberian-flagged chemical tanker, MV Chem Pluto, is carrying a crew of 22, including 21 Indians and a Vietnamese national. It suffered some damage in the attack that took place 217 nautical miles off India's west coast. The master in command of the vessel has been identified as Deepesh Badikkihil.

"MV Chem Pluto has been cleared for further operation by her company-in-charge at Mumbai. The ship is scheduled to undergo mandatory checks by various inspecting authorities before undertaking ship-to-ship transfer of cargo. This is likely to be followed by docking and repairs of damaged portion of MV Chem Pluto," the navy said.