Indian Navy Collaborates with Seychelles and Sri Lanka to Thwart Hijacking of Sri Lankan Fishing Vessel

New Delhi: In a joint effort, the Indian Navy, Seychelles Defence Forces, and Sri Lanka Navy successfully intercepted and rescued a Sri Lankan fishing vessel that had been hijacked by pirates.

The incident took place on the Sri Lankan-flagged multiday fishing trawler “LORENZO PUTHA 04,” approximately 955 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia. The vessel was hijacked by three pirates on January 27, 2024. Responding to the hijacking, the Indian Navy swiftly deployed INS Sharda from Kochi on January 28. Additionally, the High-Altitude, Long-Endurance (HALE) Sea Guardian was tasked to locate and intercept the hijacked fishing vessel. Efficient operational coordination and information sharing were crucial in the successful interception. The collaboration included the exchange of information through the Sri Lanka and Seychelles International Liaison Officers at the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC IOR) in New Delhi.

The hijacked fishing vessel was intercepted by the Seychelles Coast Guard Ship (SCGS) Topaz in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Seychelles on January 29, 2024. The three pirates aboard the hijacked vessel surrendered to the Seychelles Coast Guard. All six crew members on the fishing trawler are reported safe, and the vessel is currently being escorted to Mahe, Seychelles.

This successful rescue operation demonstrates the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation and rapid response in countering maritime threats. The collaborative efforts of the Indian Navy, Seychelles Defence Forces, and Sri Lanka Navy showcase the commitment to ensuring maritime security in the region.