In the Gulf of Aden, a critical maritime route that connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, the Marshall Island flagged MV Genco Picardy came under drone attack, further escalating geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea.

The Indian Navy responded to the incident by sending its warship INS Visakhapatnam to the region and rescued the ship hit during the rampant Houthi attacks on the shipping route. The prompt action by the Indian Navy was taken after it received a distress call, soon after which it intercepted the vessel to extend assistance.

It wrote on its X social media handle, “Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer INSVisakhapatnam, deployed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations, responded swiftly to a distress call from Marshall Island flagged MV GencoPicardy following a drone attack on 17 Jan 24 at 2311 hrs and intercepted the vessel at 0030 hrs to offer assistance.”

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. As a result of a thorough inspection by an expert in explosive ordnance disposal, the ship was cleared to sail to its next port.

“MV Genco Picardy with 22 crew (including 09 Indians) reported nil casualties & fire under control. INS Visakhapatnam EOD specialists boarded MV in the early hours of 18 January. According to the Indian Navy, the damaged area was inspected thoroughly and rendered safe by EOD specialists for transit to the next port of call.