Indian Navy Successfully Rescues 19 Pakistani Crew from Somali Pirates in Arabian Sea

In a swift and commendable operation, the Indian Navy’s warship, INS Sumitra, successfully thwarted a piracy attempt on the fishing vessel Al Naeemi off the east coast of Somalia, rescuing 19 Pakistani crew members from the clutches of 11 armed Somali pirates. The operation marks the second successful anti-piracy mission for INS Sumitra in the Arabian Sea.

The rescue mission followed the earlier successful operation where INS Sumitra saved the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Iman and its 17 crew members from Somali pirates. Responding to a distress call, the naval ship intercepted the vessel, acting in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safe release of the crew and the vessel.

“This rescue of hijacked vessels, through swift, persistent, and relentless efforts by Mission Deployed Indian Navy warship, also prevents the misuse of fishing vessels as mother ships for further acts of piracy on merchant vessels,” stated the Indian Navy spokesperson.

The recent success follows the prompt response by INS Visakhapatnam to extinguish a fire on a commercial oil tanker struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy has consistently demonstrated its commitment to maritime security, responding to incidents such as attempted hijackings and drone attacks on vessels.

The Indian Navy’s proactive deployment of frontline ships and surveillance aircraft underscores its dedication to ensuring the safety of vessels and seafarers in critical sea lanes, including the north and central Arabian Sea.