New Delhi: The Indian Navy has successfully carried out a complex and extremely risky operation by safely removing and neutralizing an unexploded missile warhead (live explosive) from a tanker carrying crude oil. This action of the Navy averted a possible major accident and once again proved India’s commitment towards maritime security. According to the Navy, the live missile warhead was extracted from the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MT Olympic Life.
The tanker was going from Fujairah port towards Kochi.
The Navy said that there was no Indian citizen on board this ship. The tanker was on its way to Kochi from Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, on May 26, there was information about an explosion in the structure of a ship near the Oman coast. Even after the incident, the ship continued its journey. Meanwhile, information about the presence of an unexploded explosive device on the ship came to light. On receiving the information, the Indian Navy started immediate action.
A team of experts was sent inside for investigation
After receiving the information through the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), Kochi-based Southern Naval Command sent a special team of experts in defusing such warheads to investigate. The investigation revealed that a missile projectile had penetrated the exterior of the ship, passed through several internal structures and become lodged within the fuel tank. The situation was extremely sensitive and dangerous given the presence of a live missile warhead inside the fuel storage tank.
Any mistake could have resulted in an explosion
It is believed that any kind of mistake could have caused a big explosion. Keeping this in mind, the expert team adopted a phased and careful strategy to ensure the safety of the ship, its crew and the port area. After completing all the prescribed safety procedures, experts identified the detonation mechanism of the warhead with the help of state-of-the-art technologies and testing equipment. It was then safely separated and taken out along with the associated debris.
‘The missile warhead was kept at a safe place’
The Navy said that the missile warhead removed from the ship has been kept at a safe place, where it will be examined. According to the Navy, this operation was quite challenging and risky, but it was completed successfully. This action has highlighted the Navy’s technical capability and expertise in safe handling of explosive materials. The Navy said that in case of any emergency at sea, it immediately comes forward to help, regardless of which country the ship belongs to or who is on board.
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