Before the exercise began, crews removed hazardous materials from the vessel to minimize environmental impact and ensure compliance with safety regulations
During the operation, the Harpoon missile struck the ship with precision. Designed to fly just above the ocean surface to avoid detection, the missile penetrated the vessel and detonated, causing significant structural damage. Observers reported a powerful explosion followed by thick smoke rising from the ship as fires spread internally, highlighting the destructive capability of modern anti-ship weapons against older naval platforms.
Despite the severe damage, the ship did not sink immediately
