Overview
- The Marshall Islands‑flagged tanker MT Olympic Life reported a hull explosion while off Oman on May 26 and later told authorities it had unexploded ordnance aboard.
- Information routed through the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region prompted Kochi‑based Southern Naval Command to deploy a specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to the vessel.
- EOD personnel used a deliberate, multi‑day phased process and advanced diagnostics to isolate the detonation mechanism and extract the missile warhead from a fuel tank without injuries.
- The tanker reached Kochi on June 10–11, all crew were reported safe, and the recovered warhead has been moved to a secure facility for detailed forensic examination; investigators have not identified who fired the projectile.
- The case highlights growing concern over attacks on commercial shipping in Gulf waters and could affect naval escort decisions and shipping risk assessments on routes between the Persian Gulf and India.