During a meticulously executed operation, the Indian Navy successfully compelled 35 pirates aboard a merchant vessel, situated approximately 1,400 nautical miles off the Indian coast, to surrender. This operation, conducted with precision, ensured the safe evacuation of 17 crew members without any harm, according to officials.
Employing a multi-faceted approach, the Navy utilized its P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, frontline ships INS Kolkata and INS Subhadra, along with a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle. Additionally, elite MARCOS commandos were air-dropped for the operation via C-17 aircraft.
#INSKolkata, in the last 40 hours, through concerted actions successfully cornered and coerced all 35 Pirates to surrender & ensured safe evacuation of 17 crew members in the evening today #16Mar 24 from the pirate vessel without any injury.#INSKolkata had carried out the… https://t.co/eKxfEdMRES pic.twitter.com/tmQq2fG8yE
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 16, 2024
Prior to this successful operation, the Navy thwarted attempts by Somali pirates to hijack ships in the high seas off the east coast of Somalia, intercepting their vessel. The armed pirates had seized control of a cargo ship named Ruen approximately three months earlier.
The Navy’s relentless efforts culminated in the coercion and surrender of all 35 pirates aboard the vessel MV Ruen, which had been commandeered by Somali pirates on December 14 of the previous year. Despite facing gunfire from the pirates, the Indian warship responded appropriately within the bounds of international law, using minimal force to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of shipping and seafarers.
Throughout these operations, the Navy prioritized the safety of civilians and crew members, urging the pirates to surrender and release the vessel along with any individuals held against their will.
In another instance of assistance rendered, an Indian warship and a long-range maritime patrol aircraft provided aid to a Bangladeshi-flagged cargo vessel following its hijacking. The safety of the crew held captive by armed pirates was confirmed, with the Indian Navy maintaining a vigilant presence in the vicinity until the vessel reached the territorial waters of Somalia.
Over recent weeks, the Indian Navy has continued its efforts to assist merchant vessels in the Western Indian Ocean region following attacks, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to maritime security and safety.
