Indian Navy rescued Iranian Vessel, INS Sumitra is a naval vessel of the Indian Navy that saved the fishing Iranian Vessel from Somali Pirates. INS Sumitra, the Indian Navy warship, rescued an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Al Naeemi carrying 19 Pakistani crew that was hijacked by armed Somali pirates off the east coast of Somalia. The Indian Navy rescued the Pakistani crew and overpowered the Somali pirates.
The anti-piracy operation was carried out successfully by the Indian Navy warship and saved the vessel carrying 19 Pakistani nationalists which was hijacked by armed Somali Pirates off the east coast of Somalia which is about 850 nautical miles far away from the west of the city Kochi.
The INS Sumitra thwarted the piracy attempt on FV Iman off the east coast of Somalia, rescuing fishing vessel Al Naeemi and 19 Pakistani nationals from 11 Somali pirates, the spokesperson said on social media X (formally X).
The Indian Navy said its warship INS Sumitra intercepted the vessel and acted by the established SOPs to coerce the pirates for the safe release of the crew along with the boat and ensured the successful release of all 19 crew members along with the boat.
“INS Sumitra, post rescuing MV Iman, was again pressed into action to locate & intercept another Iranian flagged FV which had been boarded by pirates and its Crew taken hostage,” the Indian Navy said on Tuesday.
Indian Navy rescued Iranian Vessel and captured Somali Pirates
11 Somali Pirates are captured in the rescue mission to save Iranian fishing vessel carrying 19 Pakistani sailors.
But what caught the eyes of netizens was a pirate wearing a Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) jersey in the zoomed-in photo.
Following the image surfaced on social media, it has sparked laughter-inducing revelation and netizens have been reacting to it.
One user humorously exclaimed, “A Somalian pirate wearing RCB Jersey captured by the Indian navy while trying to hijack an Iranian cargo ship is the peak 2024 already.”
What is INS Sumitra?
INS Sumitra is a naval vessel of the Indian Navy. It is a Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) and is primarily used for patrolling maritime borders, conducting anti-piracy operations, and supporting maritime security in the region. The ship is named after the mythological character Sumitra, who was one of the wives of King Dasharatha in the Indian epic Ramayana.
#Gravitas | The Indian Navy has rescued Pakistanis from Somali Pirates in the Arabian Sea.
The Pakistanis were sailing in an Iranian fishing vessel that was hijacked by the pirates.
Why did China not come to the rescue of the Pakistanis?@MollyGambhir reports pic.twitter.com/AtEKNvSo3E— WION (@WIONews) January 30, 2024
Saryu-class OPVs are designed for a variety of missions, including patrolling exclusive economic zones (EEZ), search and rescue operations, and assisting in disasters. These vessels are equipped with modern navigation and communication systems, making them capable of undertaking extended surveillance and patrolling missions. INS Sumitra was part of the Indian Navy’s fleet.
Who are Somali Pirates?
Somali pirates gained international attention in the early 21st century for their activities off the coast of Somalia, particularly in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. These pirates hijacked commercial vessels, including oil tankers and cargo ships, and held them for ransom.
The piracy problem in Somalia can be attributed to various factors, including political instability, economic hardship, and a lack of effective governance. The collapse of the Somali government in 1991 left a power vacuum, contributing to lawlessness and creating an environment conducive to piracy.
Somali pirates typically used small boats known as skiffs to approach and board larger ships. They often operated from mother ships, which allowed them to cover longer distances and stay at sea for extended periods. Once they took control of a vessel, they would demand a ransom for the release of the ship and its crew.
International efforts have been made to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia. Naval patrols from various countries, as well as private security measures on commercial vessels, have helped reduce piracy incidents in the region. Additionally, there have been legal and diplomatic initiatives to prosecute and apprehend individuals involved in piracy.
While piracy off the coast of Somalia has decreased in recent years, it remains a concern, and the underlying issues of instability and poverty in the region still need to be addressed to ensure a more lasting solution to the problem.