Indian Navy’s INS Sumitra Ensures Safe Release of Hijacked Iranian Fishing Vessel

Gulf of Aden: In a swift and effective response, the Indian Navy’s Mission Deployed warship INS Sumitra successfully ensured the safe release of a hijacked Iranian flagged Fishing Vessel (FV) named Iman. The incident took place during Anti-Piracy operations along the East coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.

Upon receiving a distress message regarding the hijacking of FV Iman and the unlawful seizure of its crew by pirates, INS Sumitra promptly intercepted the vessel. Following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the Indian Navy engaged with the pirates to secure the safe release of all 17 crew members along with the fishing boat.

Once the successful release was achieved, INS Sumitra took additional measures to sanitize the Fishing Vessel, ensuring its safety for onward transit. The mission demonstrated the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to maritime security and the safety of vessels and seafarers in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Indian Navy’s ongoing anti-piracy and maritime security operations underscore its dedication to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the interests of the international maritime community.