KOCHI, India — The Indian Navy has recovered an unexploded missile warhead from a commercial crude oil tanker off the coast of Kochi.
The vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Olympic Life, was en route from Fujairah, UAE, to Kochi when it was struck. Naval officials said the tanker reported an explosion in its hull while transiting off the coast of Oman on May 26, 2026.
Despite the strike, the MT Olympic Life continued toward Kochi, later reporting the suspected presence of unexploded ordnance on board.
Upon receiving the distress information through the Information Fusion Center – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Indian Navy launched a coordinated response. The Southern Naval Command deployed a specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to intercept the vessel and assess the threat.
Upon inspection, the EOD team found that a projectile had penetrated the tanker’s hull and lodged itself inside a fuel tank.
Given the extreme risks involved, the Navy’s EOD team adopted a deliberate, phased approach to safety. Its primary goal was to ensure the safety of the ship, its international crew, and the surrounding port infrastructure in Kochi.
After securing the area and completing strict safety protocols, the specialists carefully identified and isolated the missile’s detonation mechanism. The team then safely extracted the warhead and associated debris.
Naval authorities confirmed that the recovered ordnance has been transported to a secure facility for safe stowage and a detailed technical examination.
In a statement, the Indian Navy highlighted the planning and execution required for the operation. Officials said the recovery underscores the Navy’s proficiency in explosive ordnance disposal and technical expertise.
“The Indian Navy’s prompt response to an emergency at sea, irrespective of the nationality of the crew or the ownership of MT Olympic Life, reaffirms its role as a responsible maritime force dedicated to global maritime safety and a trusted and preferred security partner in the region,” the statement read.
