Indian Navy frees 20 crew members from hijacked vessel off Somalia

The fishing vessel was reportedly hijacked by an armed pirate group earlier last month off the north-eastern coast of Somalia.

The hijacking posed a significant maritime security threat, as the vessel could potentially have been used as a ‘mother ship’ to launch further pirate attacks against merchant shipping in the region.

Responding to the threat, the Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship to intervene, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

Working in close coordination, the platforms located the vessel following persistent surveillance, tracked its movements and employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to restrict its movement and prevent it from escaping, according to a statement issued by the Indian government.

Marine Commandos were subsequently deployed through a precision airdrop from an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft.

During the swift and coordinated tactical intervention, the Indian Navy secured the vessel, neutralised the pirate threat and ensured the safe release of all 20 crew members.

The successful operation demonstrated the Indian Navy’s high level of operational preparedness and its ability to undertake complex maritime security missions through seamless inter-service coordination.

It also reaffirmed India's commitment to remaining a First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region.