Indian Navy Thwarts Yet Another Piracy Attempt in Somali Waters, Rescuing Pakistani and Iranian Crews

Defense News ,India :- In a prompt response, the Indian Navy successfully thwarted another piracy attempt off the east coast of Somalia, rescuing crew members from Pakistan and Iran aboard the fishing vessel FV Omari.

On January 31, the Indian Navy received intelligence about piracy threats targeting the FV Omari. Utilizing surveillance drones in the region, the Navy located the vessel and redirected INS Sharda, deployed for anti-piracy operations, to intercept the boat.

Seven pirates had seized control of the Iranian-flagged FV Omari, holding its crew hostage. In the early hours of Friday, INS Sharda intercepted the vessel, employing its integral helicopter and boats to pressure the pirates into releasing the crew and the vessel safely.

The successful operation ensured the release of 11 Iranian and eight Pakistani nationals, along with the FV Omari. Confirmatory boarding on the vessel was conducted to ensure the well-being of the crew previously held captive by Somali pirates.

The Indian Navy emphasized its continuous commitment to maritime security and anti-piracy missions, citing recent similar operations where it rescued crew members from hijacked fishing vessels within a 36-hour timeframe.

Earlier, INS Sumitra prevented piracy attempts on two Iranian-flagged fishing vessels, Al Naeemi and FV Iman, rescuing a total of 36 crew members, including 17 Iranians and 19 Pakistanis. These operations, carried out in the Southern Arabian Sea, were vital in preventing the misuse of these vessels as mother ships for future acts of piracy on merchant vessels.

Highlighting its effectiveness, the Indian Navy shared its rapid response on January 18 when INS Visakhapatnam addressed a distress call from the Marshall Island-flagged MV Genco Picardy, following a drone attack on the night of January 17.