11 June,2026 11:38 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The operation was carried out on the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel MT Olympic Life. Pic/Defence PRO
The Indian Navy has successfully completed a complex and high-risk operation involving the recovery and safe disposal of an unexploded missile warhead found onboard a crude oil tanker off the coast of Oman, an official statement said.
The operation was carried out on the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel MT Olympic Life, which was en route from Fujairah in the UAE to Kochi when an explosion was reported in its hull on May 26, 2026.
The tanker, which had no Indian nationals onboard, reported damage to its hull while sailing through waters near Oman. During its onward journey, the vessel also reported the presence of unexploded ordnance, prompting urgent attention from maritime authorities.
Information was shared through the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), following which the Indian Navy launched a coordinated response.
The Southern Naval Command based in Kochi deployed a specialised Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to assess the situation onboard the tanker.
Upon inspection, the team confirmed that a projectile had penetrated the ship's hull, passed through multiple internal compartments, and become lodged inside a fuel storage tank.
Given the high risk of explosion due to the presence of fuel, the Navy adopted a cautious and phased approach to the operation.
The EOD specialists used advanced diagnostic techniques to identify and isolate the warhead's detonation mechanism.
Following strict safety procedures, the team successfully extracted the warhead along with surrounding debris, ensuring no harm to the vessel, crew, or nearby port infrastructure.
The recovered ordnance has been moved to a secure facility for further examination and safe storage.
The statement said that the Indian Navy stated that the operation demonstrates its high level of expertise in explosive ordnance disposal and its ability to respond to complex maritime emergencies.
The mission also reflects strong coordination between maritime agencies and the Navy's commitment to ensuring safety in international waters.
Officials emphasised that the Navy's response was carried out irrespective of the nationality of the vessel or crew, reinforcing its role as a responsible maritime force.
The operation underlined India's commitment to maritime safety and its position as a trusted security partner in the Indian Ocean region.
