New Delhi, Nov 3: The Indian Navy has rescued a hijacked fishing vessel, Azini, from armed pirates off the coast of Somalia following an operation lasting over 48 hours, securing the safe release of all 20 crew members without any casualties or injuries.
According to the Defence Ministry, the vessel was hijacked by an armed pirate group off the north-eastern coast of Somalia last month. The hijacking posed a serious maritime security threat, as the vessel could have been used as a ‘mother ship’ to launch further attacks on merchant vessels in the region.
The Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, to locate and intercept the vessel. Through persistent surveillance and coordinated action, the naval platforms tracked its movements and used calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent it from escaping.
Marine Commandos were also reinforced through a precision airdrop by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft. The commandos subsequently carried out a swift tactical operation, secured the vessel and overcame the pirate threat, enabling the release of all 20 crew members.
The Navy said the successful operation demonstrated its operational preparedness and the ability of the armed forces to conduct complex maritime security missions through close inter-service coordination.
The operation also reaffirmed India’s commitment to acting as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region, the Navy said, adding that it remained committed to protecting seafarers, securing vital maritime trade routes and maintaining a safe and stable maritime environment.
