Indian Navy's rapid response saves 21 crew members from abandoned cargo ship

New Delhi, Mar 7:  A maritime emergency unfolded in the Gulf of Aden on March 6, when the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier, MV True Confidence, was reported ablaze following a drone or missile strike.

US media earlier reported that three crew members of MV True Confidence were killed in a Houthi missile strike on a cargo ship off the southern coast of Yemen. This marks the first instance where casualties have resulted from the group's attacks on the same merchant vessels, signalling a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The vessel, located approximately 54 nautical miles southwest of Aden, found itself in dire straits, leading to critical injuries among the crew and necessitating an immediate evacuation.

Indian Navy press release said that in response to the crisis, the Indian Navy's INS Kolkata, tasked with Maritime Security Operations in the region, promptly arrived at the scene by 1645 hours.

Through the adept use of its integral helicopter and boats, the navy managed to rescue 21 crew members, which included one Indian national, providing critical medical aid to those injured in the incident. The crew was later evacuated to Djibouti for further assistance.

This incident marks a concerning escalation in the conflict off Yemen's southern coast, with US media outlets previously reporting that a Houthi missile strike resulted in the deaths of three crew members on the same cargo ship.

This is noted as the first occurrence of fatalities in the group's ongoing assaults on merchant vessels, highlighting a significant and dangerous expansion of the conflict.

The True Confidence was engulfed in flames and left abandoned after the attack, which took place around 11:30 GMT on Wednesday, as confirmed by the US military. The ship, manned by a diverse crew including individuals from India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, as well as three armed guards, was heavily impacted by the strike some 50 nautical miles southwest of Aden. The ship's managers reported a total of 20 crew members on board at the time of the attack.

The US Central Command (Centcom) has confirmed the casualties and injuries resulting from this attack, with three crew members perishing and at least four others wounded, three critically.

The increasing fatal outcomes of Houthi attacks have led to anticipations of a more robust response against the group, potentially escalating the conflict and the targets within Yemen. However, such actions could further strain an already tense regional situation, especially given the critical humanitarian issues in Gaza.

Following the assault, US-led airstrikes targeted strategic locations in Hudaydah, a Houthi-controlled port city, exacerbating the tense situation. Centcom has condemned the Houthis for their "reckless attacks" that disrupt global trade and cost the lives of international seafarers.

The Iran-backed Houthis' justification for their attacks, citing support for Palestinians, has been met with international condemnation. Nations such as the US, UK, and Bahrain have called for an immediate halt to these maritime assaults, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to secure crucial maritime routes.

The True Confidence, en route from China to Saudi Arabia with a cargo of steel products and trucks, became a victim in a series of drone and missile attacks targeting the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. These incidents underscore the escalating dangers faced by commercial vessels in the region, with the Houthi justification of their actions only adding to the international outcry for peace and security in these crucial waterways.