Indian Navy brings 9 pirates caught off Somalia to Mumbai, hands over to local police

The Indian Navy apprehended all nine pirates involved in piracy after successful anti-piracy operations conducted by INS Trishul and INS Sumedha east of Somalia on March 29. The operations led to the rescue of FV Al Kambar and its crew of 23 Pakistani nationals. “INS Trishul arrived in Mumbai on 3 April and handed over all nine pirates to the local police for further legal action by the Indian laws, specifically the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022,” the Indian Navy said. The Navy reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard all merchant shipping and seafarers transiting in IOR irrespective of their nationality.

“On March 30, 23 Pakistani nationals were rescued from the clutches of Somali pirates during a daring 12-hour-long operation in the Arabian Sea,” said the Indian Navy. INS Sumedha intercepted the hijacked vessel, FV Al-Kambar, joined by INS Trishul, which bolstered the operation. “Utilizing their tactical expertise and strategic coordination, Indian naval forces initiated negotiations with the pirates, compelling them to surrender without bloodshed,” the Navy added.

Following the successful apprehension of the pirates, Indian Naval specialist teams embarked on the FV Al-Kambar to undertake thorough sanitization and seaworthiness checks. These meticulous examinations aim to ensure the vessel’s safety before escorting it to a secure area, enabling the resumption of normal fishing activities for its crew.

“On March 29, the Indian Navy responded to a potential piracy attack on an Iranian fishing vessel in the Arabian Sea and diverted two naval ships to intercept the hijacked vessel,” the statement added. The hijacked fishing vessel was intercepted on March 29. “Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region and safety of seafarers, irrespective of nationalities,” the statement concluded.