In a rapid and effective response, the Indian Navy’s Guided missile destroyer, INS Visakhapatnam, deployed in the Gulf of Aden, came to the aid of MV Marlin Luanda on the night of January 26.
The oil tanker finds itself ablaze following a missile assault orchestrated by suspected Houthi militants from Yemen. This recent occurrence adds to the series of incidents associated with the Iran-backed group in the strategically vital shipping route.
The operator of the British oil tanker Marlin Luanda reported on Friday that the vessel fell victim to a missile strike while navigating the Red Sea in the Gulf of Aden. The statement revealed, “The vessel has been struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden after transiting the Red Sea.” It further informed that the crew is actively utilizing onboard firefighting equipment to suppress and gain control over the fire, which originated in one cargo tank on the starboard side.
To augment these efforts, the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense (NBCD) team from INS Visakhapatnam, along with firefighting equipment, was swiftly deployed to assist the crew on MV Marlin Luanda.
Currently, the distressed vessel has a total of 22 Indian and 01 Bangladeshi crew members onboard. The collaborative efforts between INS Visakhapatnam’s NBCD team and the firefighting equipment aim to bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of all individuals aboard MV Marlin Luanda.
The Indian Navy reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding merchant vessels and prioritizing the safety of lives at sea. The prompt and coordinated response to distress calls showcases the dedication of the Indian Navy in ensuring the security and well-being of maritime crews navigating the waters of the Gulf of Aden.
