In a decisive operation showcasing India's maritime prowess, the Navy on Saturday forced the surrender of 35 Somali pirates who had seized control of a merchant vessel.
The rescue, conducted approximately 1400 nautical miles from the Indian coast, ensured the safe evacuation of all 17 crew members.
The Navy deployed a formidable force comprising frontline warships INS Kolkata and INS Subhadra, a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, and high-altitude drones. Elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) were strategically airdropped by C-17 aircraft to bolster the operation.
Earlier reports indicated the Navy had intercepted the pirate vessel, which was identified as the MV Ruen, that had been hijacked three months prior.
The armed pirates had intended to use the vessel for further piracy attempts on the high seas.
"Over the course of 40 hours, through well-coordinated actions, INS Kolkata successfully cornered and compelled all 35 pirates to surrender," stated Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal. "The evening operation ensured the safe evacuation of the 17 crew members without a single casualty."
The MV Ruen was initially hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023.
The Navy's swift intervention prevented the vessel from becoming a platform for further piracy in the region.
Reports suggest the pirates initially fired upon the Indian warship.
The Navy, adhering to international law and established protocols for countering piracy, employed minimal force to neutralise the threat posed to shipping and seafarers.
The pirates were subsequently offered a clear directive to surrender and release the vessel and its crew.
This successful operation is the latest in a series of proactive measures undertaken by the Indian Navy to safeguard vital shipping lanes in the Western Indian Ocean.
Recent weeks have seen the Navy thwart piracy attempts on Iranian and Liberian-flagged vessels, while also rescuing crews from hijacked ships.
With heightened global concerns regarding attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea, the Navy has significantly bolstered its presence in the region.
This includes deploying frontline ships and surveillance aircraft to ensure maritime security in critical sea lanes.
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