The Indian Navy quickly renders aid to Panama’s flagship after a missile attack by Houthi rebels. Due to the quick response of the Navy, the lives of 30 crew members including 22 Indians were saved. The ship, MV Andromeda Star, was carrying crude oil when it was hit by a missile attack by Houthi rebels on April 26, officials said. The naval destroyer INS Kochi then responded quickly and rescued all the crew members.
US Central Command said Iran-backed Houthi terrorists fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles at the merchant ships Maisha and MV Andromeda Star traveling in the Red Sea off Yemen. The ship suffered minor damage in the attack. The attack comes amid growing global fears of attacks Houthi militants on various commercial ships in the Red Sea The rebels have stepped up attacks in the Red Sea since November.
The Navy said the destroyer INS Kochi was deployed for security after the missile attack on the Panamanian-flagged MV Andromeda Star on April 26. MV Andromeda Star is intercepted by the Navy’s INS Kochi and aerial reconnaissance, including helicopter operations, is conducted to assess the ship’s location. A Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was also deployed to locate the risk.
The Navy is committed to the safety of ships and sailors
The Navy said there were 30 crew members on board the MV Andromeda Star, including 22 Indian nationals. Everyone is safe and the ship has left for its next destination. Our swift action reiterates the commitment and determination of the Indian Navy in protecting ships and sailors transiting the area. Over the past few weeks, the Indian Navy has provided assistance to several merchant ships following attacks in the western Indian Ocean.
Severe impact on international trade… Amid the Israel-Hamas war, the Houthi rebels are constantly attacking ships in the Red Sea in support of the Palestinians. Due to this, many ships also change their course. In response to the attacks, America and Britain have jointly carried out airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen four times so far. According to the report of the American media Bloomberg, due to continuous attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea, international trade is severely affected.
The attack has a direct impact on Indian businesses.
About 30 percent of world trade containers pass through the Suez Canal in the Red Sea every year. But attacks by the Houthi rebels are causing problems for international trade on the main route between Europe and Asia. 80% of India’s trade takes place through the sea route. At the same time, 90% of the fuel also arrives by sea. Attacks on sea lanes have a direct impact on India’s business. Because of this, there is a risk that the supply chain will break down. To deal with the Houthis, America has also formed a coalition with about 10 countries, which is working to stop the Houthis in the Red Sea and protect cargo ships from attacks.
