In a daring feat, INS Sumitra, the Indian Navy‘s pride, swiftly rescued 19 Pakistani sailors who fell prey to Somali pirates. Picture this: a fishing vessel, Al Naeemi, and its crew, all from Pakistan, caught in the clutches of 11 pirates along the East Coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.
Rapid Response Barely 36 hours after rescuing another vessel, FV Iman, with 17 crew members, INS Sumitra stepped up again. The vessel was on anti-piracy duty, responding to a distress call about the hijacking of FV Iman. Pirates had taken the crew hostage, prompting Sumitra to deploy standard operating procedures (SOPs) for a safe release.
#INSSumitra Carries out 2nd Successful #AntiPiracy Ops – Rescuing 19 Crew members & Vessel from Somali Pirates.
Having thwarted the Piracy attempt on FV Iman, the warship has carried out another successful anti-piracy ops off the East Coast of Somalia, rescuing Fishing Vessel Al… https://t.co/QZz9bCihaU pic.twitter.com/6AonHw51KX— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 30, 2024
INDIGENOUS MIGHT INS Sumitra, an indigenous offshore patrol vessel, showcased its prowess. It intercepted Al Naeemi, the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, securing the release of its 19 crew members. The Navy’s statement highlighted Sumitra’s strategic use of her integral helo and boats, employing coercive tactics to ensure a safe outcome.
Commando Excellence Notably, the Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy played a vital role in rescuing the crew, adding a layer of precision to the operation. This marked the second triumph within 24 hours in the southern Arabian Sea, approximately 850 nm West of Kochi.
Anti-Piracy Commitment Defence officials emphasized that Indian Navy warships remain steadfast in their deployment across the Indian Ocean region, ensuring safety and security. This commitment manifested in the successful rescue of both FV Iman and Al Naeemi.
Double Victory Within a span of 36 hours, INS Sumitra secured the release of two hijacked fishing vessels and their crews – 17 Iranians and 19 Pakistanis. The pirates were disarmed and directed towards Somalia, allowing the vessels to continue their transit.
Humanitarian Angle Beyond military might, the Indian Navy’s assistance extended to foreign vessels in distress. INS Visakhapatnam promptly responded to a distress call from the British oil tanker MV Merlin Luanda, struck by a missile launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Indian Navy’s Nuclear Biological Chemical Defence and Damage Control (NBCD) team played a pivotal role in firefighting efforts, earning appreciation from the vessel’s captain.
Global Collaboration This commitment to assisting foreign vessels was not a one-time event. Earlier, INS Visakhapatnam responded to a drone attack by Houthis on the US-owned ship MV Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy’s anti-piracy patrol intercepted the vessel, demonstrating a collaborative stance on maritime security.
Ongoing Challenges As these operations unfolded, challenges persisted. Pirates had recently captured six Sri Lankan fishermen with the multi-day fishing trawler Lorenzo Putha-4, setting sail from Dikowita fishing harbor. While the Sri Lankan Navy remained silent, India expressed its determination to contribute to the rescue efforts.
Geo-Political Dynamics These events occurred against the backdrop of sea routes facing multiple attacks by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on cargo vessels. This was seen as a gesture of solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Global Response The UK government, responding to the incident involving MV Merlin Luanda, hinted at a collective response, emphasizing the right to retaliate appropriately. These incidents underscored the importance of international cooperation in maintaining maritime security.
Conclusion: Upholding Security and Humanity
In conclusion, the recent successes of INS Sumitra and INS Visakhapatnam underscore India’s commitment to maritime security and humanitarian efforts. These missions not only showcase the strength of the Indian Navy but also highlight the global collaboration necessary to address challenges in the maritime domain. As the seas continue to present evolving threats, such operations serve as a beacon of hope and resilience on the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.
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