Indian Navy safely recovers unexploded missile warhead from oil tanker bound for Kochi

The Indian Navy has successfully carried out a complex and high-risk operation to recover and safely dispose of an unexploded missile warhead from a crude oil tanker that was en route to Kochi after suffering damage off the coast of Oman.

The Navy informed that the Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker MT Olympic Life, sailing from Fujairah in the UAE to Kochi, reported an explosion in its hull while operating off the Omani coast on May 26, 2026. The vessel subsequently informed authorities about the presence of an unexploded ordnance onboard as it continued its voyage towards India.

Special team

Upon receiving the information through the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Navy launched a coordinated response. The Southern Naval Command in Kochi deployed a specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to assess the situation.

During the inspection, the EOD team confirmed that a projectile had penetrated the vessel’s hull, passed through multiple structural compartments and was lodged inside a fuel tank, creating a significant safety risk.

Given the presence of an unexploded missile warhead within a fuel storage compartment, the Navy adopted a carefully planned and phased approach to ensure the safety of the vessel, its crew and port infrastructure, it said.

After completing all prescribed safety procedures, the EOD specialists employed advanced diagnostic techniques to identify and isolate the detonation mechanism. The team subsequently extracted the warhead and associated debris without incident.

The recovered ordnance has since been transported to a secure facility for safe storage and detailed examination.

‘Technically challenging mission’

Officials described the operation as one of the most technically challenging explosive ordnance disposal missions conducted in recent times, highlighting the Navy’s expertise in handling complex maritime emergencies.

The Navy said its prompt response to the incident, irrespective of the nationality of the vessel or its crew, underscores India’s commitment to maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region and reinforces its role as a trusted security partner in the region.