Israel-affiliated merchant vessel hit by drone off India's west coast — UK firm

In this file photo, taken on July 29, 2018, Israeli navy ships maneuvered at the military port of Ashdod, southern Israel. (AFP/File)

• Fire on Liberian-flagged chemical products tanker was extinguished without casualties
• The incident follows drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthis

NEW DELHI: An Israel-affiliated merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea off India’s west coast was struck by an unmanned drone, causing a fire, British maritime security firm Ambrey said on Saturday.
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 navy did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.
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.