Indian Navy Rescued Fishing Vessel Al Naeemi And 19 Pakistani Nationals From Somali Pirates

INS Sumitra carried out second successful Anti-Piracy Operation rescuing Fishing Vessel (FV) Al Naeemi and 19 Pakistani National onboard. The crew members and vessel are rescued from 11 Somali pirates off the East Coast of Somalia on January 29, 2024.

The rescue operation successfully thwarted piracy attempts against Iranian flagged FV Al Naeem after protecting FV Iman against such attacks. INS Sumitra was pressed into action to locate and intercept FV after boarding by pirates and the crew hostage. The Fishing Vessel was subsequently sanitised and released for onward transit. The overall situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with other agencies/ MNF in the area.

According to a Navy spokesperson, “Indian Navy responded swiftly to the developing situation by intercepting the FV and through coercive posturing and effective deployment of her integral helo and boats to compel the safe release of the crew and the vessels.”

#INSSumitra Carries out 2nd Successful #AntiPiracy Ops – Rescuing 19 Crew members & Vessel from Somali Pirates.
Having thwarted the Piracy attempt on FV Iman, the warship has carried out another successful anti-piracy ops off the East Coast of Somalia, rescuing Fishing Vessel Al… https://t.co/QZz9bCihaU pic.twitter.com/6AonHw51KX

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 30, 2024

“The rescue of hijacked vessels, through a swift, persistent and relentless efforts by Mission Deployed under Indian Navy warship in the Southern Arabian Sea approximately 850 Nautical Miles West of Kochi, also prevent misuse of Fishing Vessels as Mother Ships for further acts of Piracy on Merchant Vessels”, said the spokesperson.

This successful rescue operation underscores the Indian Navy’s dedication to combat piracy and uphold maritime security, contributing to the safeguard of vital sea routes and the protection of international maritime interests.

Indian Navy has remained committed to being a first responder in the region and ensure safety of merchant shipping along with international partners and friendly foreign countries.