INS Sumitra Rescues 19 Pak Nationals In Anti-Piracy Op
By Sayali K
Indian Navy's Saryu-class patrol vessel INS Sumitra, having thwarted the piracy attempt on Iranian Fishing Vessel (FV) Iman a day earlier, has carried out yet another successful anti-piracy operation off the East Coast of Somalia rescuing FV Al Naeemi and her Crew comprising 19 Pakistani nationals from 11 Somali pirates.
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| Indian Navy rescues another vessel in Gulf of Aden |
On 28 January 2024, Indian Navy’s indigenous Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sumitra had responded to a distress message regarding hijacking of an Iranian-flagged FV Iman, which had been boarded by pirates and the crew taken hostage. Incidentally, this patrol vessel has been deployed for Anti-Piracy and Maritime Security Operations in East of Somalia and Gulf of Aden.
FV Iman was intercepted by INS Sumitra and following the SOPs and coercive posturing, the vessel and her Crew of 17 Iranian nationals were safely rescued in the early hours of 29 January. FV Iman was then sanitised and released for onward transit.
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| The Fishing Vessel was hijacked by Somali pirates |
INS Sumitra was again pressed into action to locate and intercept FV Al Naeemi, which had been boarded by pirates and her Crew of 19 Pakistani nationals taken hostage. Responding swiftly to the developing situation, INS Sumitra intercepted the FV on 29 January 2024 and through coercive posturing and effective deployment of her integral helo and boats compelled the safe release of the crew and the vessel. The ship also undertook confirmatory boarding to sanitise and also to check on the well-being of the crew who were held captive by the Somali pirates.
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| INS Sumitra deployed helo and boats for a successful rescue mission |
In a duration of less than 36 hours, INS Sumitra through swift, persistent and relentless efforts rescued two hijacked Fishing Vessels along with 36 Crew (17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani nationals) in Southern Arabian Sea approximately 850 nm West of Kochi, and prevented the misuse of these Fishing Vessels as Mother Ships for further acts of Piracy on Merchant Vessels.
The Indian Navy has once again proved its commitment in the region to act against all maritime threats in order to ensure safety of all mariners and vessels at sea.
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