On Tuesday, officials confirmed that the Indian warship INS Sumitra successfully rescued 19 Pakistani crew members of an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel that had fallen victim to a pirate attack on the east coast of Somalia.
The INS Sumitra, actively engaged in anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the east of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, thwarted the piracy attempt on the Iranian fishing vessel named Iman the previous day.
This commendable anti-piracy operation involved the rescue of the fishing vessel Al Naeemi and its 19 crew members from the clutches of 11 Somali pirates. The Indian Navy spokesperson, Commander Vivek Madhwal, highlighted the swift and persistent efforts of INS Sumitra in successfully completing this rescue mission.
Over a span of less than 36 hours, INS Sumitra demonstrated its commitment to maritime safety by rescuing two hijacked fishing vessels, totaling 36 crew members, including 17 Iranians and 19 Pakistanis. The operation took place in the Southern Arabian Sea, approximately 850 nautical miles west of Kochi.
Commander Vivek Madhwal emphasized that the Indian Navy's proactive actions in the region underscore its dedication to addressing all maritime threats, ensuring the safety of mariners and vessels at sea. This successful intervention once again highlights the vital role played by naval forces in safeguarding maritime activities and countering piracy in the strategically significant waters off the East Coast of Somalia.
(With Agency Inputs)
