NEW DELHI: A ship carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia to Mangaluru port was struck by a drone off Gujarat coast on Saturday. Officials said that the crew members, including 20 Indians, are safe. The ship named MV Chem Pluto, carrying the Liberian flag, was struck by the drone on Saturday evening.

The drone strike took place 217 nautical miles off the Porbandar coast in Gujarat. The ship caught fire following the attack. ICGS Vikram of the Indian Coast Guard has been directed towards the cargo vessel after receiving the distress message from the ship. It is reported that although the fire on the ship was extinguished, the operation was affected.

However, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The drone strike was confirmed by the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and global maritime risk management firm Ambrey. An investigation has been initiated into the incident. Caution was issued to other ships.