In a display of maritime heroism, the Indian Navy’s warship INS Sumitra successfully executed its second anti-piracy operation in just 36 hours, rescuing 19 Pakistani sailors after their fishing vessel fell prey to armed Somali pirates off the east coast of Somalia. The daring rescue mission took place on Monday, following an earlier operation that saw the release of 17 Iranian crew members from another hijacked vessel.
The fishing vessel, FV Al Naeemi, flying the Iranian flag, was boarded by eleven armed pirates who took the entire crew, consisting of Pakistani nationals, hostage. INS Sumitra, deployed for maritime security operations along the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, responded swiftly to a distress call on January 28, intercepting the hijacked vessel and compelling the pirates to release their hostages through coercive measures.
The Indian Navy’s spokesperson, Commander Vivek Madhwal, highlighted the success of the operation on social media, stating that the INS Sumitra had “compelled the safe release of the crew and the vessel.” The warship’s actions were carried out in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety of the crew and the vessel.
The subsequent rescue mission, occurring on January 29, involved the interception of another Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, Al Naeemi, which had been boarded by pirates. The naval forces, through coercive posturing and the effective deployment of integral helicopter and boats, successfully secured the release of the crew and the vessel, preventing further acts of piracy in the region.
The Indian Navy’s relentless efforts in combating piracy in the Southern Arabian Sea, approximately 850 nautical miles west of Kochi, have not only safeguarded the lives of seafarers but also thwarted the potential misuse of fishing vessels as mother ships for future acts of piracy on merchant vessels.
This recent series of successful anti-piracy operations follows a pattern of prompt and efficient responses by the Indian Navy to distress calls from vessels in the region. The naval forces have been on high alert amid rising concerns about the resurgence of pirate activities off Somalia’s coast. The actions of INS Sumitra underscore India’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all vessels and seafarers navigating the perilous waters of the Indian Ocean region.
Notably, this maritime prowess comes on the heels of the Indian Navy’s recent involvement in extinguishing a fire onboard a commercial oil tanker struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. The multifaceted role of the Indian Navy in responding to various maritime challenges showcases its dedication to maintaining security and stability in critical sea lanes.
As maritime threats continue to evolve, the Indian Navy remains vigilant, constantly enhancing the deployment of its frontline ships and surveillance aircraft. The commitment to safeguarding sea lanes, as demonstrated by INS Sumitra’s recent operations, reflects India’s proactive stance in addressing complex maritime security challenges in the region.