The Mistral-Explorer: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The tanker 'Chem Pluto', which was attacked by a suspected drone, has successfully made its way to Mumbai following a harrowing incident that occurred on December 23, approximately 217 nautical miles off Porbandar. The vessel, carrying a crew comprising 21 Indian nationals and one Vietnamese, had to switch off its AIS for safety after the drone attack. In a swift response, the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard mobilized resources to assist the distressed tanker. On December 25, the 'Chem Pluto' reached the bustling port of Mumbai, accompanied by the Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS 'Vikram'. In the aftermath of the attack, the Navy's Explosive Ordnance Team analyzed the situation, while a comprehensive investigation involving various agencies is currently ongoing. Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists are set to carry out a thorough sanitization of the vessel and continue their investigatory efforts. The drone strike comes against a troubling backdrop of increased aggression, with Houthi militants in Yemen launching attacks on commercial shipping in critical areas like the Red Sea and Suez Canal. In response to this incident, the Indian Navy has deployed several Guided Missile Destroyers, including the INS 'Mormugao', INS 'Kochi', and INS 'Kolkata', to enhance maritime security in the Arabian Sea. Meanwhile, the operators of 'Chem Pluto' in Mumbai have issued clearance for the vessel to resume operations. Before it can proceed with ship-to-ship cargo transfers, the tanker must undergo mandatory inspections by the relevant authorities, followed by necessary repairs and docking procedures.

On the morning of December 23, 2023, the tanker Chem Pluto sustained damage after being struck by a drone in the Arabian Sea, approximately 2200 nautical miles from the Indian coastline. The vessel, carrying a cargo of crude oil, was on its way from Jubail to New Mangalore, with an estimated time of arrival set for December 25. Fortunately, all 20 Indian crew members aboard remained unharmed following the incident. In response, the Indian Coast Guard and Navy swiftly mobilized to the scene, while an aircraft carrier was dispatched to the vicinity. Plans are underway to escort the damaged tanker to the nearest port in India for further assessment and repairs.

An Indian crew member aboard the 'Chemstar Stellar' and his wife, both from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have received encouraging news regarding their health. On March 2, 2020, they were admitted to the isolation ward of SCB Medical College and Hospital after the crew member exhibited symptoms including fever and a sore throat, which raised concerns about a potential novel coronavirus infection. Following a thorough examination by the medical team from Paradip Port Hospital, their blood samples and swabs were sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for testing. The results came back negative, alleviating fears of the virus. The vessel had previously departed from Zjapu on February 10 and was anchored off Paradip on March 3, where the crew member was under observation. The couple was kept in isolation as a precautionary measure in line with health protocols during the ongoing pandemic.