Pratik Das, Pune
In an exceptional feat, the Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel, INS Sumitra, effectively thwarted a hijack situation for the second time in less than 36 hours. This successful intervention took place in the Gulf of Aden, where INS Sumitra rescued the Iranian-flagged Fishing Vessel Al Naeemi along with its crew of 19 Pakistani nationals from the clutches of 11 Somali Pirates off the East Coast of Somalia on January 29. Both incidents transpired in the Southern Arabian Sea, approximately 850 nautical miles west of Kochi.
INS Sumitra was mobilized to take immediate action in locating and intercepting the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Al Naeemi, which had fallen prey to pirates, resulting in the abduction of its crew consisting of 19 Pakistani nationals. In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the Navy highlighted that Sumitra swiftly responded to the unfolding crisis. On Monday, the vessel successfully intercepted Al Naeemi and, employing assertive posturing and strategic deployment of its integral helicopter and boats, ensured the secure liberation of both the crew and the vessel. Additionally, the ship conducted a confirmatory boarding operation to sanitize the area and verify the well-being of the crew who had been held captive by the Somali pirates.
Following closely on the heels of this event, INS Sumitra averted another potential hijacking in the region. The vessel swiftly responded to a distress call from the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Iman, carrying a crew of 17 Iranian nationals. Iman had been boarded by pirates, resulting in the seizure of the crew as hostages. In a prompt and effective response, INS Sumitra thwarted the hijack attempt and successfully liberated the crew from the grip of the 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 Southern Arabian Sea approximately 850 nm West of Kochi, and prevented misuse of these Vessels as Mother Ships for further acts of Piracy on Merchant Vessels,” the Navy added.
Over the past few months, the Gulf of Aden has experienced a notable resurgence in piracy activities originating from Somalia, marking a significant increase from the relatively subdued levels seen around 2010. The Indian Navy has consistently upheld a continuous presence in the region, deploying at least one major warship dedicated to anti-piracy duties since 2008.
Additionally, the Navy reported its responsive actions to the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel. In collaboration with the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Sri Lanka Navy, the Indian Navy successfully intervened, intercepting and rescuing the hijacked vessel.
“A hijacking incident was reported onboard the Sri Lankan flagged multiday fishing trawler Lorenzo Putha 04 about 955 nm east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Three pirates had boarded and hijacked the fishing trawler on January 27,” the Navy said.
Departing from Kochi on the afternoon of January 28, INS Sharada was deployed for the mission, accompanied by the Sea Guardian High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, assigned the task of locating and intercepting the hijacked fishing vessel.
In a successful operation, the hijacked fishing vessel was apprehended within the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone on January 29. The Seychelles Coast Guard played a pivotal role as the three pirates surrendered to them. All six crew members were confirmed safe, and the vessel is currently under escort to Mahe, Seychelles, according to the Navy’s statement.