Indian Navy Rescues 19 Pakistani Sailors And Vessel Hijacked By Somali Pirates

INS Sumitra executed its second successful anti-piracy operation and rescued 19 crew members aboard fishing vessel Al Naeemi from 11 armed Somali pirates.

The Indian Navy's warship INS Sumitra completed a second successful anti-piracy operation in the Arabian Sea, rescuing 19 Pakistani crew members and a vessel from armed Somali pirates, according to an official statement. Marine Commandoes (MARCOS) on INS Sumitra repelled the piracy attempt on Fishing Vessel (FV) Iman off the east coast of Somalia, saving the fishing vessel Al Naeemi and 19 Pakistani citizens from 11 Somali pirates.

It is the Indian Navy's second anti-piracy operation within a day since it last saved FV Iman and its 17 crew members on Monday. INS Sumitra was called to track down and intercept FV Al Naeemi, after which it responded swiftly to the developing situation and successfully intercepted the FV on the evening of January 29, 2024.

According the Indian Navy's statement, the ship successfully ensured the safe release of both the crew and the vessel by employing a combination of coercive measures and effective use of boats and helicopters. In addition to this, the ship conducted confirmatory boarding procedures to sanitise the vessel and ensure the well-being of the hostages held by Somali pirates.

"INS Sumitra, over the course of less than 36 hours, through swift, persistent and relentless efforts has rescued two hijacked Fishing Vessels along with 36 Crew (17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani) in the southern Arabian Sea approximately 850 nm West of Kochi, and prevented misuse of these Fishing Vessels as Mother Ships for further acts of Piracy on Merchant Vessels," the official statement said.

INS Sumitra is the Indian Navy's indigenous offshore patrol vessel that was deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the waters of eastern Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.

On the evening of January 28, 2024, INS Sumitra responded to a distress message that informed that an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel named Iman had been seized by pirates who had also taken the crew as hostages.

The warship followed standard operating procedures and coercive measures, which led to the successful interception of FV Iman. As a result, the vessel and its crew, which consisted of 17 Iranian nationals, were rescued safely during the early hours of January 29, 2024. Following the rescue operation, the rescued vessel Iman underwent sanitisation procedures and was subsequently released for onward transit.

The Indian Navy has once again demonstrated its dedication to act swiftly against maritime threats and its commitment to safeguard the sailors and vessels at sea.