New Delhi: The Indian Navy has conducted a daring operation in which 35 Somali pirates surrendered on Saturday 16th March. The operation was conducted by INS Kolkata who successfully cornered and coerced all 35 pirates to surrender. No member of the Indian side was injured.
The rescue operation lasted for 40 hours, Indian Navy’s warship INS Kolkata intercepted the ship under attack by the Somali Pirates. With well-planned manoeuvres, the ship nearly 2600 kilometres off the Indian Coast coast forced the pirate ship to halt.
About the rescue operation by the Indian Navy
- Supported by the Indian cruiser INS Subhadra, High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE RPA) drones, P8I maritime patrol aircraft, and MARCOS PRAHARs airdropped by an IAF C17 Globemaster, the operation aimed to safely evacuate the crew members and seize complete control of the stricken vessel.
- Later the ship was also sanitized for the presence of illegal arms, ammunition and contraband.
- Earlier the Indian Navy had shared information about the ongoing rescue operation to evacuate crew members on the distressed vessel.
- The ex-MV Ruen which had been commandeered by Somali Pirates on December 14, 2023, reappeared as a Pirate vessel, threatening merchant ships in the high seas. Responding to the threat swiftly the Indian Navy warship engaged the pirate vessel on 15th March as per Indian Navy’s statement.
- The pirates onboard the vessel were called upon by the Indian Navy to surrender immediately and release any civilians they may be held against their will as per the statement by the navy.
- The Indian Navy reaffirmed its steadfast dedication to upholding strict maritime security protocols and guaranteeing the well-being of seafarers traversing these dangerous areas. The Indian Navy’s action demonstrates India’s commitment to fighting piracy and upholding and respecting international maritime laws.
