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These operations took place approximately 850 nautical miles west of Kochi, in the Southern Arabian Sea
In an impressive display of maritime vigilance and precision, the Indian Naval Ship Sumitra has successfully executed two anti-piracy operations off the East Coast of Somalia, rescuing a total of 36 crew members from the clutches of Somali pirates.
India's Ministry of Defence shared details of the two interventions on Monday (January 30, 2024).
The first operation, conducted on the afternoon of January 28, 2024, saw the INS Sumitra responding to a distress call from the Iranian flagged Fishing Vessel (FV) Iman. The FV Iman had fallen prey to piracy, with its crew of 17 Iranian nationals taken hostage.
Demonstrating tactical prowess and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), INS Sumitra's crew managed to intercept the hijacked vessel. Through strategic coercive posturing, they ensured the safe rescue of the FV Iman’s crew in the early hours of January 29, 2024. Post-rescue, the vessel was thoroughly sanitized and released for onward transit, marking the first success in this two-part maritime saga.
However, there was more action to follow. In the wake of this operation, INS Sumitra, an indigenous Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy, was quickly redeployed to address another brewing crisis. This time, it was the Iranian flagged fishing vessel Al Naeemi that had been boarded by pirates, with its 19 Pakistani crew members held hostage.
Acting swiftly on this new development, INS Sumitra intercepted the FV Al Naeemi on the afternoon of January 29, 2024. The Indian Navy's strategic deployment of the ship's integral helicopter and boats played a critical role in compelling the pirates to release the crew and vessel without harm. Following the successful intervention, the crew of INS Sumitra conducted a confirmatory boarding to ensure the safety and well-being of the rescued Pakistani nationals and to sanitize the vessel.
In less than 36 hours, INS Sumitra's dedicated crew has not only thwarted two piracy attempts but has also rescued 36 lives - 17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani nationals. These operations took place approximately 850 nautical miles west of Kochi, in the Southern Arabian Sea.
By preventing the misuse of these fishing vessels as mother ships for further acts of piracy, INS Sumitra has once again contributed to ensuring the safety of mariners and vessels traversing these waters. The Indian Navy, through these swift, persistent, and relentless efforts, has maintained its unshakeable role as a guardian of the seas, dedicated to the safety and security of international maritime activities.
India's Ministry of Defence shared details of the two interventions on Monday (January 30, 2024).
The first operation, conducted on the afternoon of January 28, 2024, saw the INS Sumitra responding to a distress call from the Iranian flagged Fishing Vessel (FV) Iman. The FV Iman had fallen prey to piracy, with its crew of 17 Iranian nationals taken hostage.
Demonstrating tactical prowess and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), INS Sumitra's crew managed to intercept the hijacked vessel. Through strategic coercive posturing, they ensured the safe rescue of the FV Iman’s crew in the early hours of January 29, 2024. Post-rescue, the vessel was thoroughly sanitized and released for onward transit, marking the first success in this two-part maritime saga.
However, there was more action to follow. In the wake of this operation, INS Sumitra, an indigenous Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy, was quickly redeployed to address another brewing crisis. This time, it was the Iranian flagged fishing vessel Al Naeemi that had been boarded by pirates, with its 19 Pakistani crew members held hostage.
Acting swiftly on this new development, INS Sumitra intercepted the FV Al Naeemi on the afternoon of January 29, 2024. The Indian Navy's strategic deployment of the ship's integral helicopter and boats played a critical role in compelling the pirates to release the crew and vessel without harm. Following the successful intervention, the crew of INS Sumitra conducted a confirmatory boarding to ensure the safety and well-being of the rescued Pakistani nationals and to sanitize the vessel.
In less than 36 hours, INS Sumitra's dedicated crew has not only thwarted two piracy attempts but has also rescued 36 lives - 17 Iranian and 19 Pakistani nationals. These operations took place approximately 850 nautical miles west of Kochi, in the Southern Arabian Sea.
By preventing the misuse of these fishing vessels as mother ships for further acts of piracy, INS Sumitra has once again contributed to ensuring the safety of mariners and vessels traversing these waters. The Indian Navy, through these swift, persistent, and relentless efforts, has maintained its unshakeable role as a guardian of the seas, dedicated to the safety and security of international maritime activities.
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