Israel-affiliated merchant vessel hit by drone in Arabian Sea

An Israel-affiliated merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea off India's west coast of Gujarat was struck by an unmanned drone, causing a fire on board, British maritime security firm Ambrey said on Saturday, report Reuters and ANI news agencies.

According to news agency ANI, the distressed vessel has around 20 Indian crew members who are all reported to be safe.

The fire on the Liberian-flagged chemical products tanker was extinguished without crew casualties in the incident 200 km (120 miles) southwest of Veraval, India, it said.

"Some structural damage was also reported and some water was taken onboard. The vessel was Israel-affiliated. She had last called Saudi Arabia and was destined for India at the time," the firm said on its website.

It said the Indian navy was responding. The Indian Navy as well as the Indian Coast Guard vessels were moving towards the vessel, MV Chem Pluto, in the Arabian Sea.

The incident follows drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthis, who say they are supporting Palestinians under siege by Israel in the Gaza Strip, on commercial shipping, forcing shippers to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.