In a swift operation on March 29th, 2024, the Indian Navy rescued 23 Pakistani crew from a hijacked Iranian fishing vessel. The rescue occurred in the Arabian Sea, roughly 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra.
Acting on intelligence reports of a potential piracy incident, two Indian naval ships deployed in the region were diverted to intercept the hijacked vessel, named "Al-Kambar 786." The Navy employed strategic manoeuvres and negotiations to safely secure the release of the crew.
The operation extended over 12 hours, and after following standard procedures, the pirates onboard surrendered. The rescued crew consisted entirely of Pakistani citizens. After the rescue, Indian Navy teams ensured the vessel's seaworthiness and conducted a sanitation check. The vessel will then be escorted to a safe location where the crew can resume their fishing activities.
This is the second recent successful anti-piracy operation by the Indian Navy without bloodshed. The Indian Navy is committed to maintaining maritime security and safety for seafarers in the region. The Navy employed tactical manoeuvres to coerce the pirates into surrendering, achieving a successful outcome without resorting to violence. This reflects the Navy's commitment to minimising casualties while upholding maritime security.