Pakistani crew of rescued Iranian vessel thanks Navy with 'India Zindabad' slogans; 9 armed pirates held | Watch
Indian Navy's specialist teams have completed sanitisation and seaworthiness checks of fishing vessel Al-Kambar, the statement read. On Friday, the Indian Navy rescued the hijacked Iranian fishing vessel and its crew, after more than 12 hours of “intense coercive tactical measures".
The hijacked vessel was intercepted on Thursday, the Navy said. "INS Sumedha intercepted FV 'Al Kambar' during early hours of Friday and was joined subsequently by the guided missile frigate INS Trishul," it said.
"After more than 12 hours of intense coercive tactical measures as per the SOPs, the pirates on board the hijacked fishing vessel were forced to surrender. The crew, comprising 23 Pakistani nationals, have been safely rescued," the Indian Navy added.
The fishing vessel at the time of incident was approximately 90 nm southwest of Socotra and was "reported to have been boarded by nine armed pirates," it said. The Navy said it remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region and safety of seafarers, "irrespective of the nationalities".
Socotra Archipelago is in the northwest Indian Ocean near the Gulf of Aden. (With agency inputs)Milestone Alert!
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