In a swift and daring operation, the Indian Navy successfully rescued 23 Pakistani nationals from an Iranian fishing vessel that had been hijacked by armed pirates in the Arabian Sea. The rescue mission, spanning over 12 hours, showcased the Navy’s commitment to maritime security and the safety of seafarers in the region.
The incident unfolded approximately 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra, an island of Yemen in the Indian Ocean, where nine armed pirates had boarded the Iranian fishing vessel, Al-Kambar 786. Upon receiving intelligence about the potential piracy incident, two Indian Naval ships deployed for maritime security operations in the Arabian Sea were immediately diverted to intercept the hijacked vessel.
“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,” stated the Indian Navy in a statement.
Following the successful rescue, Indian naval teams conducted a thorough inspection of the vessel and ensured its seaworthiness before escorting it to safety. This allowed normal fishing activities to resume for the Iranian fishing crew.
The anti-piracy operation on March 28 involved INS Sumedha intercepting the Al-Kambar vessel in coordination with guided missile frigate INS Trishul, responding swiftly to the distress call and neutralizing the pirate threat.
This rescue comes as a testament to the Indian Navy’s proactive approach in combating maritime threats. Earlier this month, the Navy undertook a similar operation, intercepting the ship Ruen in a daring 40-hour rescue operation that resulted in the surrender of 35 pirates and the safe evacuation of 17 crew members.
The Indian Navy reiterated its commitment to ensuring maritime security in the region and safeguarding the lives of seafarers, emphasizing that nationalities do not hinder its mission to maintain safety and order in the seas.
Sources By Agencies
