New Delhi, Jan 30 (UNI) The Indian Navy in coordination with Seychelles Defence Forces and Sri Lanka Navy successfully thwarted the hijacking of Sri Lankan flagged fishing trawler with six crew members onboard.
According to the Indian Navy statement, a hijacking incident was reported onboard the Sri Lankan flagged multiday fishing trawler Lorenzo Putha 04 about 955 nm east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Three pirates had boarded and hijacked the fishing trawler on 27th January.
The Indian Navy deployed INS Sharda from Kochi and also tasked HALE Sea Guardian to locate and intercept the hijacked fishing vessel.
Moreover, efficient operational coordination and information sharing through the Sri Lanka and Seychelles International Liaison Officers at IFC IOR, New Delhi resulted in the interception of the hijacked fishing vessel by SCGS Topaz in Seychelles EEZ on 29th January, the statement said.
The three pirates surrendered to the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) and all six crew members are safe and the vessel is being escorted to Mahe, Seychelles.
