The operation lasted 40 hours.

New Delhi:

The Indian Navy said in an official statement that the Indian warship “Calcutta” successfully forced all 35 pirates to surrender on Saturday, ensuring the safe evacuation of the 17 crew members on the pirate ship and no one was injured.

During the 40-hour rescue operation, the Kolkata intercepted the pirate ship Roon, which was under attack nearly 2,600 kilometers away from the Indian coast, and forced the pirate ship to stop through a calibration operation.

To safely rescue the crew and take full control of the wrecked vessel, the operation was supported by the Indian warship INS Subhadra, High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE RPA) unmanned aerial vehicle, P8I maritime patrol aircraft and MARCOS PRAHAR aircraft airdropped by the Indian Air Force. -17 aircraft.

The ship was then disinfected for illegal weapons, ammunition and contraband.

Earlier, the Indian Navy shared the ongoing rescue operations to evacuate the crew of a distressed vessel.

The former MV Ruen, which was hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023, reappeared as a pirate ship, threatening merchant shipping on the high seas. The Indian Navy said in a statement that an Indian Navy warship responded quickly to the threat and engaged the pirate ship on March 15.

The Indian Navy calls on the pirates on board to surrender immediately and release any civilians they may be holding against their will, the Indian Navy said.

The Indian Navy reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining maritime security and ensuring the safety of seafarers operating in these dangerous waters. This action by the Indian Navy proves India’s determination to combat piracy and uphold the international law of the sea.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)