Indian naval forces have successfully rescued 19 Pakistani sailors and a crew of 17 Iranians after their fishing vessels were hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia. This marks the second successful rescue operation in just 36 hours by the Indian warship INS Sumitra.
The recent attacks on vessels in the region have raised concerns about the resurgence of pirate activities off Somalia’s coast. In response to distress calls from vessels and sailors, India’s navy has been actively involved in maritime security operations along the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.
On January 28th, INS Sumitra intercepted an Iranian-flagged vessel after responding to a distress message. Naval officers were able to safely release the 17 crew members and the vessel. The ship was then sanitized and allowed to continue its journey.
In another operation, INS Sumitra located and intercepted an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel named Al Naeemi. Navy personnel boarded the vessel to ensure the well-being of the crew and sanitize the vessel. A photo posted on X showed armed Navy personnel guarding men who had their hands tied behind their backs, indicating the capture of the pirates.
These successful rescue operations demonstrate the commitment and effectiveness of the Indian navy in combating piracy and ensuring the safety of sailors in the region. The Indian navy remains vigilant and ready to respond to any distress calls to protect vessels and crew from pirate attacks.
In a separate incident, the defence forces from the Seychelles also rescued six Sri Lankan fishermen after their vessel was hijacked. These recent incidents highlight the ongoing threat posed by pirates in these waters and the need for continued international efforts to combat piracy and maintain maritime security.