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

The Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MT Olympic Life, en route from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates to Kochi, reported a hull explosion on May 26, 2026 while operating off the coast of Oman, the navy said. Photo credit: Special arrangement

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

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

Special team

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

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

Due to the presence of an unexploded missile warhead in the fuel storage area, the Navy adopted a carefully planned and phased approach to ensure the safety of the vessel, its crew and port infrastructure.

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

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

“Technically demanding mission”

Officials described the operation as one of the most technically demanding explosive ordnance disposal missions conducted in recent memory, underscoring the Navy’s expertise in dealing with complex maritime emergencies.

The Navy said its swift response to the incident, regardless 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.

Published – 11 Jun 2026 22:51 IST