New Delhi, (UNI) The Indian Navy yet again foiled a piracy attempt on an Iranian-flagged vessel along the East Coast of Somalia on Friday.
The Fishing Vessel Omari, with 11 Iranian and eight Pakistani crew members, was taken hostage by seven Somali pirates.
According to the Indian Navy’s statement, after getting information on the piracy attempt on FV Omari, the Indian Naval Remotely Piloted Aircraft successfully located the vessel. INS Sharda, which was on an anti-piracy mission and undertaking surveillance in the area, was diverted to intercept the vessel.
INS Sharda intercepted the vessel in the early hours of Friday and, using her integral helo and boats, coerced the pirates to safely release the crew of the hijacked vessel. The hostages were rescued, the vessel was sanitised and the well-being of the crew was checked.
The Indian Navy further said that relentless efforts by Indian Naval platforms and missions deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations continue to save precious lives at sea, symbolising Indian Navy’s resolve towards the safety of all vessels and seafarers at sea.