In a collaborative effort with the Seychelles Defence Forces and the Sri Lanka Navy, the Indian Navy successfully prevented the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel. The joint operation resulted in the rescue of the hijacked vessel, named LORENZO PUTHA 04, with three pirates surrendering to the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG). All six crew members are reported safe, and the vessel is currently being escorted to Mahe, Seychelles.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the hijacking incident occurred aboard the Sri Lankan flagged multiday fishing trawler about 955 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia. The pirates boarded and seized control of the fishing trawler on January 27. The Indian Navy promptly deployed INS Sharda from Kochi on January 28 and engaged the HALE Sea Guardian to locate and intercept the hijacked fishing vessel. Efficient operational coordination and information sharing through Sri Lanka and Seychelles International Liaison Officers at IFC IOR, New Delhi, played a crucial role in the successful interception by SCGS Topaz in Seychelles EEZ on January 29.
Additionally, on a separate occasion, the Indian naval ship Sumitra successfully thwarted a piracy attempt on FV Iman, conducting an anti-piracy operation off the East Coast of Somalia. This operation resulted in the rescue of Fishing Vessel Al Naeemi and her crew, consisting of 19 Pakistani nationals, from 11 Somali Pirates on January 29. The Indian Navy continues to play a vital role in ensuring maritime security and combating piracy in the region.
(With Agency Inputs)
Read also| Indian Navy Plays Crucial Role in Rescuing Hijacked Sri Lankan Vessel
