The Indian Navy successfully rescued an Iranian fishing vessel hijacked by pirates, operated by a Pakistani crew of 23 individuals. Employing “intense coercive tactical measures” over a 12-hour operation, the Navy managed to liberate both the ship and its crew, as stated in an official announcement.
Specialist teams from the Indian Navy are currently sanitizing the Iranian ship and conducting checks to ensure its seaworthiness. Once completed, the vessel will be escorted to its destination to resume its regular fishing activities.
The interception of the Iranian-flagged FV AI-Kambar occurred on March 29, with INS Sumedha leading the operation, later assisted by the guided missile frigate INS Trishul.
Following a rigorous operation, the pirates aboard the hijacked vessel were compelled to surrender, leading to the safe rescue of the 23 Pakistani crew members.
The location of the incident was approximately 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra, situated in the northwest Indian Ocean near the Gulf of Aden.
Asserting its commitment to maritime security and the safety of seafarers, regardless of nationality, the Indian Navy continues to play a proactive role in anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean Region.
Earlier this month, Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar reaffirmed the force’s dedication to ensuring a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region, emphasizing the importance of affirmative action.
As part of its ongoing maritime security operations, the Navy has undertaken various initiatives, including anti-piracy, anti-missile, and anti-drone operations. Notably, the Navy’s ‘Op Sankalp’ has saved the lives of 110 individuals, comprising 45 Indians and 65 foreign nationals, within a 100-day period, according to a statement released on March 23.
