Indian Navy Frees 13 Pakistanis from Iranian Vessel Hijacked by Somali Pirates

The Indian Navy rescued 23 Pakistani crew members from an Iranian fishing vessel that was hijacked by Somali following “intense coercive tactical measures” as part of an anti-piracy operation at sea that lasted for more than 12 hours.

Following Friday’s operation, specialist teams from the Navy undertook a thorough sanitisation and seaworthiness check of the fishing vessel in order to escort it to a safe area for resuming normal fishing activities, according to an official statement shared by a Navy spokesperson.

#INSSumedha intercepted FV Al-Kambar during early hours of #29Mar 24 & was joined subsequently by the guided missile frigate #INSTrishul.

After more than 12 hrs of intense coercive tactical measures as per the SOPs, the pirates on board the hijacked FV were forced to surrender.… https://t.co/2q3Ihgk1jn pic.twitter.com/E2gtTDHVKu

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 29, 2024

The Navy said late on Friday evening that it was engaged in an operation to free the fishing vessel from pirates. Nine armed pirates had reportedly boarded the vessel.

The hijacked vessel was intercepted on Thursday, the Navy said.

The Indian Navy has freed an Iranian fishing vessel that was hijacked by pirates and rescued its crew of 23 Pakistani nationals, following “intense coercive tactical measures” as part of an anti-piracy operation at sea that lasted for more than 12 hours, officials said.

The Navy said late on Friday evening that it was engaged in an operation to free the fishing vessel from pirates. Nine armed pirates had reportedly boarded the vessel.

The hijacked vessel was intercepted on Thursday, the Navy said.

“INS Sumedha intercepted FV ‘Al Kambar’ during early hours of Friday and was joined subsequently by the guided missile frigate INS Trishul,” it said.

“After more than 12 hours of intense coercive tactical measures as per the SOPs, the pirates on board the hijacked fishing vessel were forced to surrender. The crew, comprising 23 Pakistani nationals, have been safely rescued,” the Navy added.