Indian Navy Thwarts Pirate Attack on Iranian Fishing Vessel
In a significant operation against piracy attempts on the high seas, the Indian Navy successfully intervened to thwart an attack on the Iranian flagged Fishing Vessel (FV) Omaril off the East coast of Somalia. On January 31, 2024, the Indian Naval Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) detected a piracy attempt on FV Omaril, leading to the deployment of INS Sharda, a naval vessel engaged in anti-piracy missions in the region.
The fishing vessel, flagged as Iranian, had fallen victim to seven pirates who had taken the crew hostage. The Navy swiftly responded by diverting INS Sharda, which intercepted the vessel on February 2. Utilizing its integral helicopter and boats, the naval ship coerced the pirates to ensure the safe release of the 11 Iranian and eight Pakistani nationals on board, along with the fishing vessel. Following the intervention, INS Sharda conducted confirmatory boarding to sanitize the vessel and assess the well-being of the crew held captive by the Somali pirates.
This operation highlights the Indian Navy’s proactive engagement in maintaining maritime security in strategically important waters, particularly off the East coast of Somalia. In recent years, there have been seven reported incidents of hijacking of vessels on high seas by pirates, necessitating robust measures to combat piracy. Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, informed the Parliament on February 2, 2024, that the Indian Navy has been actively collaborating with regional and extra-regional navies and maritime forces to address piracy challenges.
To restore maritime security in the region, the Indian Navy has increased the presence of ships and employed aerial surveillance through maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs in the Central Arabian Sea and off the East coast of Somalia. Information exchange with national and international maritime security agencies ensures early responses in a coordinated manner. Furthermore, effective liaison and coordination with the Director General (Shipping) provide crucial inputs on Indian crew onboard merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden region.
In addition to anti-piracy patrols, the Indian Navy interrogates fishing vessels and dhows operating in the region to maintain maritime security. Units are actively deployed off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, North and Central Arabian Sea, and off the East Coast of Somalia to protect merchant vessels and offer assistance if required.
Also Read:Indian Navy Swiftly Responds to Hijacking Attempt off Somali Coast
Since 2008, the Indian Navy has consistently deployed units in the Gulf of Aden and along the East Coast of Africa for anti-piracy patrols. Over the years, these efforts have resulted in safely escorting 3,440 ships and more than 25,000 seafarers. The recent hijacking incidents, such as the one involving the Merchant Vessel – Lila Norfolk on January 4-5, 2024, underscore the continued threat of piracy in the region. The Indian Navy remains vigilant, employing various measures to counter piracy and ensuring the safety of vessels and crew operating in these vital maritime zones.
