In a remarkable display of swift intervention, INS Sumitra, an Indian Navy offshore patrol vessel stationed in the Gulf of Aden, thwarted two separate hijacking attempts within a mere 36-hour period. The latest incident occurred on January 29, when INS Sumitra successfully rescued the Iranian-flagged Fishing Vessel Al Naeemi and its crew of 19 Pakistani nationals from 11 Somali pirates off the East Coast of Somalia. This operation followed closely on the heels of another hijack prevention just days earlier.
Responding promptly to distress calls, INS Sumitra intercepted the hijacked vessels and, employing a combination of strategic positioning and utilization of its onboard helicopter and boats, ensured the safe release of the captured crew and vessels. Confirmatory boarding was conducted to ensure the well-being of the crew and to sanitize the vessels post-rescue.
These rapid and effective actions by INS Sumitra have not only saved the lives of 36 crew members but also thwarted potential piracy threats in the region. The Indian Navy’s continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 underscores its commitment to combating piracy and maintaining maritime security in the area.
