New Delhi, Jan 18
In response to a distress call by Marshall Island flagged MV Genco Picardy following a drone attack at 23:11 hrs on Jan 17, 2024, INS Visakhapatnam, a mission deployed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations, has responded swiftly. The development comes as Yemen’s Houthi rebels disrupt commercial shipping trade routes citing solidarity with Palestine
Sharing details, the Indian Navy says: “INS Visakhapatnam, undertaking anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden, acknowledged the distress call and intercepted the vessels at 0030 hrs on Jan 18, 2024, in order to provide assistance.”
MV Genco Picardy, the merchant vessel with 22 crew (nine Indians) reported nil casualties and fire under control, added the Indian Navy. The merchant vessel was attacked 60 nautical miles South of Port Aden.
In the early hours of Jan 18, Indian Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists (EOD) specialists from INS Visakhapatnam boarded the vessel to inspect the damaged area. And after a thorough inspection, the EOD specialists have rendered the area safe for further transit. According to the Indian Navy, the vessel is now proceeding to the next port of call.
Yemen’s Houthis hit US ship again
In the waters near Aden, Yemen, a fresh incident unfolded as a US-owned commercial ship fell victim to an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. This marks the second assault on a US-operated vessel by the Houthis within the week. Swiftly responding, the US military carried out new strikes, intending to thwart potential future threats. The string of attacks in the Red Sea since November has had a profound impact, disrupting trade routes between Asia and Europe. The Houthi rebels, claiming solidarity with Palestinians, have issued warnings of expanding their attacks in response to actions taken by the US and British forces against their positions.
The most recent occurrence involved the US Genco Picardy bulk carrier, struck by a Houthi missile while transporting phosphate rock through the Gulf of Aden. Fortunately, the crew emerged unscathed, and the vessel sustained limited damage.
Genco, the shipping operator, corroborated the attack and confirmed the ship’s safe departure from the area. In a countermove, the US military conducted strikes on 14 Houthi missiles, citing an imminent threat to both merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region. The ongoing conflict raises substantial concerns regarding regional stability and the persistent disruption of crucial trade routes connecting Asia and Europe.