Navy rescues 20 crew members from pirates in Arabian Sea
The 48-hour operation took place more than 3,000 km from Mumbai to free the fishing vessel Azini.
The Indian Navy rescued all 20 crew members of the fishing vessel Azini from armed pirates during a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea, according to reports by Times of India and The New Indian Express. The vessel was reportedly seized by pirates more than 3,000 km from Mumbai.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh praised the Navy for the coordinated mission, which included support from the Indian Air Force (IAF). He stated that the swift interception and safe release of the crew and vessel demonstrated the Navy's high operational readiness and ability to respond to maritime threats.
A photograph shared by Singh on X shows the destroyer INS Kolkata alongside the fishing vessel, where commandos are guarding individuals who appear to be pirates. A large collection of seized weapons was also visible on the deck.
The Iranian fishing vessel was seized off the northeastern coast of Somalia last Thursday by 12 armed pirates, according to the EU-led Maritime Security Centre-Indian Ocean (MSCIO) and Puntland maritime police. The MSCIO had warned that the vessel could be used as a mothership for further attacks.
This mission occurred further out than a March 2024 anti-piracy operation where the INS Kolkata intercepted the pirate ship MV Ruen approximately 2,600 km from the Indian coast. The Navy has maintained deployments in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden to conduct anti-piracy patrols since late 2023.