Indian Navy rescues 23 Pakistanis from Somali pirates in Arabian Sea operation (Image Source: Mint)
At least 23 Pakistani nationals were rescued from the clutches of Somali pirates during a daring 12-hour-long operation in the Arabian Sea, said the Indian Navy.
The rescue unfolded in the early hours of March 29, 2024, when the Indian Navy warship INS Sumedha intercepted the hijacked vessel, FV Al-Kambar 786, as it was being held captive by pirates. Acting swiftly, INS Sumedha was soon joined by the guided missile frigate INS Trishul to bolster the operation.
“Based on inputs on a potential piracy incident onboard an Iranian Fishing Vessel ‘Al-Kambar 786’ late evening on March 28, two Indian Naval ships – mission deployed in the Arabian Sea for maritime security operations – were diverted to intercept the hijacked fishing vessel,” the Navy said in a statement.
“After more than 12 hours of intense coercive tactical measures as per the SOPs, the pirates on board the hijacked FV were forced to surrender. The crew, comprising 23 Pakistani nationals, have been safely rescued,” it added.
Utilising their tactical expertise and strategic coordination, Indian naval forces initiated negotiations with the pirates, compelling them to surrender without bloodshed. The surrender marked a decisive victory for the Indian Navy in combating piracy and ensuring the safety of maritime activities in the region.
Following the successful apprehension of the pirates, Indian Naval specialist teams embarked on the FV Al-Kambar-786 to undertake thorough sanitisation and seaworthiness checks. These meticulous examinations aim to ensure the vessel’s safety before escorting it to a secure area, enabling the resumption of normal fishing activities for its crew.
On Friday evening, the Indian Navy responded to a potential piracy attack on an Iranian fishing vessel in the Arabian Sea, and diverted two naval ships to intercept the hijacked vessel.
The Indian Navy received input regarding a potential piracy incident onboard the Iranian fishing vessel ‘Al Kambar-786’.
Following this, two Indian Naval ships deployed in Arabian Sea for maritime security operations were diverted to intercept the hijacked fishing vessel.
At the time of the incident, the Iranian vessel was approximately 90 Nm south-west of Socotra and was reported to have been boarded by nine armed pirates.
The hijacked fishing vessel was intercepted on March 29.
“Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region and safety of seafarers, irrespective of nationalities,” the statement added.
Notably, the Indian Navy has carried out several high-octane operations against piracy attacks lately.
Earlier this month, the Indian Navy conducted a bold operation, intercepting the ship named Ruen nearly 2,600 km away from the Indian Coast when it came under attack by pirates. Employing calculated manoeuvres, the Navy compelled the pirate vessel to halt its advance.
During the intensive 40-hour rescue mission, INS Kolkata effectively compelled all 35 pirates to surrender, facilitating the safe evacuation of 17 crew members from the vessel without any casualties.
In a separate operation, the Navy promptly responded to a distress signal from the Gulf of Aden, where a merchant vessel caught fire following a missile strike. The Navy successfully rescued 21 crew members, including one Indian national.
A statement from the Indian Navy affirmed their unwavering commitment to maritime security in the region and the protection of seafarers, regardless of nationality.
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