Indian Navy rescues 20 crew members from hijacked fishing vessel
The rescue operation off the northeastern coast of Somalia lasted more than 48 hours and involved coordinated efforts between the Navy and Air Force.
The Indian Navy rescued all 20 crew members of the fishing vessel Azini after a coordinated operation off the northeastern coast of Somalia, according to the Times of India. The mission, which lasted over 48 hours, aimed to overcome an armed pirate group that had hijacked the vessel last month.
To execute the rescue, the Navy used a mission-deployed warship and a maritime reconnaissance aircraft to track and locate the vessel. The Navy employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict the movement of the ship without using direct kinetic force, though the specific techniques were not disclosed.
Marine Commandos were deployed to secure the vessel via a precision airdrop from an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft. This tactical intervention allowed the Navy to overcome the pirate threat and secure the vessel without any casualties or injuries to the crew.
The hijacking had raised maritime security concerns because pirates could have used the Azini as a mother ship to launch further attacks against merchant ships in the region. By securing the vessel, the Navy prevented it from being used as a base for such operations.
The Indian Navy stated that the successful mission is a testament to its high operational preparedness and ability to conduct complex security operations through seamless inter-service coordination. The Navy also reiterated its commitment to protecting seafarers and maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean Region.