India's INS Visakhapatnam Responds to Distress Call in Gulf of Aden Following Drone Attack on Merchant Ship

Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer, INS Visakhapatnam, deployed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations, intercepted and provided assistance to the Marshall Island-flagged MV Genco Picardy following a drone attack on Wednesday night.

The distress call from MV Genco Picardy was received at 11:11 pm on January 17 after the vessel came under a drone attack by unknown assailants in the Gulf of Aden. INS Visakhapatnam, on its mission to combat piracy in the region, acknowledged the call and swiftly intercepted the merchant ship at 12:30 am on January 18.

The MV Genco Picardy, with a crew of 22 members, including 9 Indian sailors, reported nil casualties, and the fire resulting from the attack was brought under control. Following the interception, the Indian Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists from INS Visakhapatnam boarded the MV Genco Picardy in the early hours of January 18, 2024.

A thorough inspection of the damaged area was conducted by the EOD specialists, who rendered it safe for further transit. The vessel was subsequently allowed to proceed to its next port of call. The incident highlights the Indian Navy's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of merchant ships in the region.

This recent response by INS Visakhapatnam comes in the wake of increased drone attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea. The Indian Navy has been actively deploying multiple vessels in the region to counter such threats and protect maritime interests.

The Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers are a class of warships in active service with the Indian Navy. The class is spearheaded by INS Visakhapatnam, which was commissioned on November 21, 2021. INS Visakhapatnam is one of the largest destroyers in the Indian Navy and showcases the nation's commitment to maritime security and anti-piracy efforts in strategically important waterways.