Indian Navy's swift action, saved Iranian ship from pirates

INS Sumitra: Amidst the tense situation in the Gulf region, there is a continuous crisis regarding safe movement on sea routes. In such a situation, the Indian Navy is also on alert. The Navy's mission deployed warships are responding quickly to ensure the safe release of the hijacked ship and crew. INS Sumitra, deployed on anti-piracy operations off the east coast of Somalia and Gulf of Aden, quickly responded to an emergency help call regarding hijacking of Iranian flagged fishing vessel (FV) Iman. This fishing ship was boarded by pirates and they had taken the crew hostage.

Safe release of all 17 people

INS Sumitra, which arrived to help, surrounded the ship and forced the pirates to safely release all 17 crew members along with the ship. After tireless efforts, all 17 crew members on board the ship could be safely released.

After freeing the ship from the pirates, it was thoroughly inspected and when everything was found to be correct, it was sent on its further journey.

Work done through SoP

Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said, “INS Sumitra, deployed for anti-piracy operations off the eastern coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, immediately responded to the information about the hijacking of Iran-flagged fishing vessel Iman. Pirates had boarded the ship and the crew was taken hostage. He said that INS Sumitra acted in accordance with the established Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) to force the pirates to release the crew and the vessel safely.

Mission Deployed deployed Indian Naval ships on anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean region, reflecting the Indian Navy's resolve towards the safety and security of all ships and crew at sea. In recent times, the Indian Navy has rescued many ships in trouble.