Houthi Rebels Launch Shocking Attack on Merchant Ship Carrying 22 Indians, Indian Navy Races Against Inferno(Navy rescues 22 Indians)
New Delhi, January 27, 2024
In a distressing incident, the Indian Navy’s guided missile destroyer, INS Visakhapatnam, responded swiftly to a distress call from the merchant vessel MV Marlin Luanda, which came under a Houthi rebel anti-ship missile attack in the Gulf of Aden on the night of January 26.
MV Marlin Luanda (Houthi Rebels Launch Shocking Attack)
MV Marlin Luanda, carrying Russian naphtha, a crude oil component, reported a missile hit that resulted in a fire onboard. The vessel had a crew of 22 Indians and 1 Bangladeshi, as confirmed by the Indian Navy on Saturday.
In an immediate response, INS Visakhapatnam deployed a team equipped with firefighting equipment to assist the distressed crew and enhance firefighting efforts on MV Marlin Luanda. The Navy reported that all 23 crew members are safe, and the fire in the cargo tank has been successfully extinguished.
The Indian Navy
The Indian Navy, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding merchant vessels and ensuring the safety of lives at sea. This incident follows a recent pattern of Houthi militants escalating attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Admiral R Hari Kumar has issued firm instructions to deal decisively with such maritime incidents. The Indian Navy’s proactive response underscores its dedication to maintaining maritime security and protecting Indian and foreign nationals navigating these waters.
This missile strike follows a similar incident on January 18 when a merchant vessel, with Indian crew members, was attacked by drones in the Gulf of Aden. On that occasion, INS Visakhapatnam intercepted the vessel and provided assistance, highlighting the Navy’s readiness to respond to emerging threats.
It is worth noting that this incident comes after a series of attacks on merchant vessels in the region, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and robust security measures in these strategically significant waterways.
The Indian Navy continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of seafarers in the face of evolving threats.
