Merchant ship hit by drone off India's coast: Report

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - A drone strike has targeted a merchant ship off India's western coast, causing an explosion and fire, a British maritime agency said on Saturday.

According to the Royal Navy's UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the incident occurred some 200 nautical miles (230 miles) southwest of the western city of Veraval.

"UKMTO have received a report of an attack by Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) on a vessel causing an explosion and fire. Incident 200NM South West of Veraval, India," it said, adding that the fire had been extinguished, with no casualties reported.

The agency said authorities are investigating the incident and that all vessels were advised to transit with caution, reporting any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

The Indian Navy is yet to issue a statement on the matter, but the local news agency Asian News International said nearby Indian warships were moving towards the merchant ship.