In a significant development, a chemical tanker, the Chem Pluto, sailing in the Indian Ocean, fell victim to a drone attack allegedly launched from Iran, according to the US military. The incident, which occurred on a Saturday, marks a notable escalation in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to target vessels in international waters. The Chem Pluto, a Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated chemical tanker, was en route from Saudi Arabia to India when it was struck by what the US military describes as a “one-way attack drone fired from Iran.” This event, located approximately 200 nautical miles off the coast of India, raises geopolitical concerns and prompts questions about the involvement of different actors in the region.
About the Chemical Tanker
The attack on the Chem Pluto comes in the wake of escalating maritime tensions involving Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are backed by Iran. Recent incidents in the Red Sea, where Houthi rebels have employed drones and rockets to target vessels, have set a precedent. However, this particular attack stands out as the first of its kind occurring far from the usual conflict zone in the Red Sea, as highlighted by maritime security firm Ambrey.
The Chemical Tanker, Chem Pluto, on its journey from Saudi Arabia to India, is reported to have connections to Israel, adding a layer of complexity to the incident. The Houthis, claiming responsibility for targeting vessels linked to Israel, have been actively involved in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This attack, occurring so far from the Red Sea, has raised concerns about the expanding reach of such maritime threats.
The United States, in a notable move, publicly accused Iran of orchestrating the drone attack on the Chem Pluto. The Pentagon’s statement points to Iran’s involvement in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, a charge Tehran has consistently denied. The incident prompts a reassessment of the dynamics between the US and Iran in the maritime domain, with potential implications for regional stability.
As of now, Iran has not officially commented on the allegations made by the US. However, the Revolutionary Guards in Iran have issued a warning, stating that they could force the closure of waterways other than the Red Sea if perceived provocations by the US and its allies persist in Gaza. This raises the stakes in an already tense region, adding a geopolitical dimension to the maritime security concerns.
The Chemical Tanker was struck 200 nautical miles south-west of the city of Veraval in India’s Gujarat state, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The attack caused structural damage to the tanker, and water ingress was reported. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the onboard fire was successfully extinguished. The vessel’s Liberia-flagged, Japanese-owned, and Netherlands-operated status highlights the international nature of the incident.
Ambrey, a maritime security firm, categorizes the area where the incident occurred as a “heightened threat area” for Iranian drones. This assessment indicates a level of anticipation regarding potential threats in the region, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance among vessels traversing these waters. The involvement of private maritime security firms in analysing and responding to such incidents underscores the complexity of ensuring maritime safety.
In response to the incident, the Indian Navy dispatched aircraft and warships to provide assistance to the Chemical Tanker. The proximity of the attack to Indian waters prompted a swift response to address the immediate consequences and assess the situation. The incident serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of maritime security, requiring coordinated efforts among nations to ensure the safety of international waters.
Coinciding with the Chem Pluto, Chemical Tanker incident, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles were fired into international shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Fortunately, no ships reported being impacted by the ballistic missiles. Additionally, the USS Laboon, patrolling the area, reportedly shot down four unmanned aerial drones originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. These events highlight a broader pattern of maritime threats in the region.
On the same day as the Chem Pluto, Chemical Tanker incident, a crude oil tanker reported being hit by a Houthi drone in the southern Red Sea, with another tanker experiencing a near miss. The repeated use of drones by Houthi rebels underscores the evolving nature of asymmetric threats in maritime environments. The strategic location of the southern Red Sea as a key shipping route intensifies concerns about the safety of vessels navigating through these waters.
The spate of recent maritime incidents has led many large global shipping groups to suspend operations in the Red Sea. The increased risk of attacks, coupled with the unpredictability of drone and missile threats, has prompted companies to reassess their routes and security protocols. The potential disruption to global shipping routes underscores the broader economic ramifications of insecurity in key maritime regions.
The drone attack on the Chemical Tanker in the Indian Ocean marks a concerning development in maritime security. The geopolitical complexities involving Iran, Houthi rebels, and their connections to regional conflicts, especially in Gaza, add layers of uncertainty. The public accusation by the US against Iran further complicates diplomatic relations, while the warnings from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards raise the spectre of broader regional consequences.