The geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea saw a further escalation when a Marshall Island flagged MV Genco Picardy came under a drone attack in the Gulf of Aden, a critical maritime route that connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
In response to the incident, the Indian Navy deployed its warship INS Visakhapatnam in the region and came to the rescue of the ship hit amid the rampant attacks by Houthis on the shipping route. The prompt action by the Indian Navy was taken after it received a distress call, soon after which it intercepted the vessel to extend assistance.
In a statement on its X social media handle, the India Navy wrote, “Indian Navy’s Guided Missile Destroyer INSVisakhapatnam, mission deployed in Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy ops, swiftly responded to distress call by Marshall Island flagged MV GencoPicardy following a drone attack at 2311 hrs on 17 Jan 24 & intercepted the MV at 0030 hrs on 18 Jan 24 to provide assistance.”
Fortunately, there were zero casualties involved in the incident. Explosive Ordnance Disposal expert carried out a complete inspection of and cleared the ship for its next port.
“MV Genco Picardy with 22 crew (including 09 Indians) reported nil casualties & fire under control. EOD specialist from INS Visakhapatnam boarded MV in the early hours of 18 Jan. Damaged area was thoroughly inspected & rendered safe by EOD specialists for transiting to the next port of call,” the Indian Navy added.
Source: WION
