Video: Indian Navy Contains Fire, Treats Injured Crew of Vessel After Deadly Attack By Houthis

The Indian Navy on Thursday swiftly responded to the fire on freight ship MV True Confidence after it was struck by a Houthi missile. An anti-ship ballistic missile struck the Barbados-flagged, Liberian-owned vessel and killed three members of the crew and injured four others. Three of them are reported to be in critical condition. The freight ship also reported significant damage.

“Indian Navy’s swift response to Maritime Incident in Gulf of Aden. Barbados Flagged Bulk Carrier MV True Confidence reported on fire after a drone/missile hit on March 06, approx 54 nm (nautical miles) South West of Aden, resulting in critical injuries to crew, forcing them to abandon ship,” the Indian Navy said in a post on social media site X.

“INS Kolkata deployed for Maritime Security Operations, arrived on location at 1645 hrs & rescued 21 crew, including one Indian national, using integral helicopter and boats. Critical medical aid provided to injured crew. The crew of True Confidence were subsequently evacuated to Djibouti, PM March 06,” the Indian Navy said.

In the video shared by the Indian Navy a member of the crew was seen receiving medical aid. The injured crew were flown to Djibouti for further medical assistance.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree wrote on social media that the vessel was targeted with missiles “after the ship’s crew rejected warning messages” from the rebels.

The Iran-backed Yemeni group began targeting ships transiting the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea last November, a campaign they say is intended to signal solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The Indian Navy earlier released a video of its sailors from the INS Kolkata fighting a fire aboard the MSC Sky II. The Liberian-flagged MSC Sky II was attacked by the Houthi in the Gulf of Aden on Monday as it was on its way to Djibouti. The scorch marks from the impact of a Houthi missile were prominently visible on one of the containers aboard the vessel, which was also billowing large plumes of smoke.

The Indian Navy in a statement said that the crew of 23 personnel, including 13 Indian nationals are safe and the vessel is proceeding to her next destination.