In a swift and decisive operation, the Indian Navy successfully rescued an Iranian fishing vessel, Al Kambar 786, which had been hijacked by armed pirates. The vessel was carrying a crew of 23 Pakistani nationals at the time of the hijacking. The operation, carried out late Friday evening, resulted in the surrender of the pirates.
According to Navy officials, the rescue operation was initiated following inputs of a potential piracy incident onboard the fishing vessel late Thursday evening. Two warships were immediately diverted to intercept the vessel, which was located approximately 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra in the Arabian Sea. The warships, INS Sumedha and guided missile frigate INS Trishul, were on mission deployment in the region for maritime security operations.
After more than 12 hours of intense coercive tactical measures adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs), the pirates were compelled to surrender. The crew, consisting of 23 Pakistani nationals, was safely rescued by Indian Naval specialist teams. Presently, these teams are conducting sanitization and seaworthiness checks of the vessel to ensure its safety and integrity.
This successful operation underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to ensuring maritime security in the region and its readiness to respond effectively to threats posed by piracy and other illicit activities at sea.