News / Pakistan / India

Indian navy rescues hijacked Iranian fishing vessel, Pakistani crew

Saturday, 30 March 2024 11:10 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 27 April 2024 7:30 AM ]

The Iranian fishing vessel Al-Kambar 786, which was hijacked by nine pirates. (Photo by Indian Navy)

The Indian Navy has successfully and safely rescued the crew of an Iranian fishing vessel from nine armed pirates in the Arabian Sea.

The Indian Navy swiftly reacted to a pirate attack in the Arabian Sea after a distress call was sent out, saving an Iranian fishing vessel along with its crew of 23 Pakistani nationals during a lengthy anti-piracy operation that lasted over 12 hours.

The hijacked vessel Al-Kambar 786 was intercepted by the Indian Navy warship INS Sumedha, shortly after, the missile frigate INS Trishul joined the operation, after the operation unfolded in the early hours of Friday.

“After more than 12 hrs of intense coercive tactical measures as per the SOPs, the pirates on board the hijacked FV (fishing vessel) were forced to surrender,” the Indian navy said in a post on a social media platform.

“The crew, comprising 23 Pakistani nationals, have been safely rescued,” it added.

#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 fishing vessel from Iran was situated around 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra when the incident occurred, after a group of nine armed pirates had successfully boarded the vessel, resulting in its hijacking, which took place on Friday.

“The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region and safety of seafarers, irrespective of their nationalities,” the Indian Navy further said.

The Somali pirates were compelled to surrender by the Indian Navy, without any violence, marking the second instance in which the Indian Navy successfully coerced pirates to surrender without any bloodshed.

Earlier this month, the Indian Navy successfully compelled more than 30 Somali pirates to surrender, ensuring the safe rescue of the crew without resorting to any form of armed conflict or violence.

“The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region and the safety of seafarers, irrespective of nationalities,” it said.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk