Preliminary probe of vessel reveals drone attack: Navy

THE Indian Navy's preliminary assessment of the Merchant Vessel Chem Pluto on Monday has pointed "towards a drone attack." "The analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the ship point to a drone attack. However, further forensic and technical analysis will be required to establish the vector of attack, including type and amount of explosive used," The Indian Navy said in a statement.

- MAYANE SINGH

MV Chem Pluto, a merchant ship, arrived at the Mumbai port on Monday under the protection of Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Vikram.

The vessel is a Liberiaflagged, Japanese-owned and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker. It was struck in the Indian Ocean, 200 nautical miles from the coast of India on December 23.

The Navy said a joint investigation by various agencies has commenced on completion of the analysis by the Navy's ordnance team.