Indian Navy rescues 23 Pakistani nationals from Iranian fishing boat attacked by pirates

On March 29, the hijacked fishing boat was intercepted by the Indian Navy

New Delhi:

The Indian Navy has responded to pirate attacks in the Arabian Sea and rescued an Iranian fishing boat and its 23 Pakistani citizens during an anti-piracy operation that lasted more than 12 hours.

“Based on information about a possible piracy incident aboard the Iranian fishing vessel “Al-Kambar 786” late on March 28, two Indian Navy ships (deployed in the Arabian Sea for maritime security operations) were diverted to intercept the hijacked fishing vessel, ” the Navy said in a statement.

“In accordance with standard operating procedures, after more than 12 hours of intense coercive tactical measures, the pirates on board the hijacked FV were forced to surrender. The crew, including 23 Pakistani nationals, were safely rescued,” the statement added.

The statement further stated that the Indian Navy team then thoroughly disinfected the ship, checked its seaworthiness, and escorted it to a safe area so that normal fishing activities can be resumed.

#IndianNavy Responding to piracy attacks #ArabianSea.

Information received regarding a potential piracy incident on board the Iranian fishing vessel “Al-Kambar” #28Mar 24, located approximately 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra.
Two Indian Navy ships are deployed in #ArabianSea for… pic.twitter.com/PdEZiCAu3t

— Spokesperson Navy (@indiannavy) March 29, 2024

On March 29, INS Sumedha intercepted the fishing vessel, FV, Al-Kambar, in the early hours of the morning after sending a distress signal, and was later joined by the guided missile frigate INS Trishul.

According to reports, the ship was located about 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra, a Yemeni island in the Indian Ocean, when nine armed pirates boarded the ship.

Earlier this month, the Indian Navy conducted another daring operation and intercepted a ship, the Roon, which was sailing nearly 2,600 kilometers from the Indian coast when it was attacked by pirates. The Navy forced the pirate ship to stop through targeted operations.

During the 40-hour rescue operation, the Kolkata successfully forced all 35 pirates to surrender and ensured that 17 crew members were safely evacuated from the ship without any injuries.

In another operation, the navy responded quickly to a distress call from the Gulf of Aden and rescued 21 crew members, including an Indian, after a merchant ship caught fire after being hit by a missile.

“The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region and the safety of seafarers irrespective of their nationality,” the statement said.