Securing the Waters: Indian Navy's Campaign Against Maritime Piracy

 

Maritime Piracy Incidents: Indian Navy's Response

Introduction

In January 2024, incidents of maritime piracy resurfaced with the hijacking of a fishing vessel named Al Naaymi off the coast of Somalia. The vessel, carrying 19 Pakistani crew members, fell into the hands of Somali pirates. Concurrently, another ship, MV Run, a Bulgarian merchant vessel transporting valuable cargo, was hijacked in December 2023. This article delves into the details of these incidents and the Indian Navy's successful rescue operations.

Al Naaymi Hijacking

• In January 2024, Somali pirates hijacked the Pakistani fishing vessel Al Naaymi, with 19 crew members onboard.
• The Indian Navy promptly deployed the INS Sumitra, successfully rescuing the Pakistani crew members from the hijacked ship.

MV Run Hijacking

• In December 2023, Somali pirates hijacked the Bulgarian merchant vessel MV Run, laden with valuable cargo destined for South Korea.
• The vessel's crew, consisting of 17 individuals from different countries, was held captive along with the cargo worth approximately $1 million.

Pirate Demands and International Response

• The pirates demanded a ransom of $60 million for the release of the hijacked vessels and crew members.
• European naval forces, including the European Union Naval Force, collaborated with Somali authorities to monitor the situation and thwart further attacks.

Crew's Actions During Hijacking

• During the MV Run hijacking, the crew members took refuge in the ship's citadel, a pre-built secure area within the vessel, to evade capture by the pirates.

Indian Navy's Heroic Intervention

• The Indian Navy's swift response and successful rescue missions underscored their commitment to combating maritime piracy.
• Despite facing challenges, including negotiating with pirates and ensuring the safety of crew members, the Indian Navy's efforts resulted in the safe retrieval of hijacked ships and personnel.

Conclusion

Maritime piracy continues to pose a threat to global shipping routes, necessitating coordinated efforts from international naval forces to safeguard vessels and crew members. The incidents of Al Naaymi and MV Run highlight the persistent challenges faced by seafarers and the critical role played by naval authorities in ensuring maritime security.