New Delhi: The Indian Navy has rescued all 20 crew members of fishing vessel Azini after an operation lasting more than 48 hours to free the ship from armed pirates off the north-eastern coast of Somalia.
The vessel had been hijacked by an armed pirate group earlier last month. The Navy said the hijacking posed a wider maritime security threat, as the vessel could potentially have been used as a mother ship to launch further attacks on merchant shipping in the region.
Coordinated Operation at Sea
After receiving information about the hijacking, the Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, to locate and intercept the vessel.
The two platforms maintained surveillance, tracked the vessel's movements, and used calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent escape.
Marine Commandos were also deployed, with an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying out a precision airdrop to augment the team.
The Navy then carried out a tactical intervention, secured the fishing vessel, and neutralised the pirate threat. All 20 crew members were rescued safely, with no casualties or injuries reported.
Focus on Maritime Security
The operation involved close coordination between the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, highlighting the role of joint capabilities in responding to threats at sea.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to protecting seafarers, securing vital maritime trade routes and maintaining a safe and stable maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region. The operation also reflects India's stated role as a first responder and preferred security partner in the region.
