On Monday, the Indian warship INS Sumitra successfully rescued an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, named Iman, and its 17 crew members after it was hijacked by pirates off the east coast of Somalia. The Indian Navy promptly responded to a distress call from the vessel. INS Sumitra, engaged in anti-piracy operations in the region, intercepted the hijacked vessel and followed established standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safe release of the crew and the boat. The pirates were coerced, and all 17 crew members were successfully freed. After the rescue operation, the vessel was sanitized and allowed to continue its journey.
Indian Navy’s Anti-Piracy Operations in the Region
INS Sumitra’s swift response showcases the Indian Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. The Navy’s mission-deployed ships play a crucial role in anti-piracy and maritime security operations. This incident emphasizes the Indian Navy’s dedication to ensuring the safety of all vessels and seafarers at sea.
INS Visakhapatnam’s Firefighting Mission in the Gulf of Aden
Just two days before the Iranian fishing vessel rescue, INS Visakhapatnam, another Indian warship, extinguished a fire onboard a commercial oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden. The vessel, MV Marlin Luanda, with 22 Indian crew members, was hit by an anti-ship ballistic missile fired by Iran-backed Houthi militants, according to the US Central Command. The timely response by INS Visakhapatnam prevented further escalation, and the Navy’s commitment to protecting Indian crew members was evident.
Thwarting Attempted Hijacking in the North Arabian Sea
On January 5, the Indian Navy thwarted an attempted hijacking of the Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea. All crew members were successfully rescued. This incident highlights the Navy’s vigilance and effectiveness in dealing with maritime threats.
Drone Attacks on Commercial Oil Tankers
The Navy has been actively responding to unconventional threats, such as drone attacks on commercial vessels. MV Chem Pluto, a Liberian-flagged vessel with 21 Indian crew members, was targeted in a drone attack off India’s west coast on December 23. Additionally, another oil tanker faced a suspected drone strike in the Southern Red Sea on the same day, with a team of 25 Indian crew members onboard. These incidents underscore the Navy’s adaptability in addressing emerging challenges in maritime security.
Enhanced Deployment for Maritime Security
In response to the evolving maritime environment, the Indian Navy has increased the deployment of its frontline ships and surveillance aircraft. This proactive measure aims to bolster maritime security in critical sea lanes, especially in the North and Central Arabian Sea.
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