'Israel-affiliated' ship attacked near India: report

A ship that a British maritime security firm is describing as "Israel-affiliated" has been attacked Saturday off the west coast of India, reports say.

The vessel, a Liberian-flagged chemical products tanker, was targeted 120 miles from Veraval, Sky News is reporting, citing a statement from Ambrey.

"The unmanned aerial vehicle attack caused an explosion and a fire onboard," a spokesperson from the firm reportedly said. "Some structural damage was also reported and some water was taken onboard. The vessel was Israel-affiliated. She had last called Saudi Arabia and was destined for India at the time."

The attack comes as Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to target ships in the Red Sea, prompting the U.S. and other countries to launch a multinational effort to protect the busy corridor.