Indian Navy rescues hijacked fishing vessel off Somalia, frees all 20 crew members

The Indian Navy has successfully rescued a hijacked fishing vessel, Azini, from armed pirates off the northeastern coast of Somalia in an operation lasting over 48 hours, ensuring the safe release of all 20 crew members without any casualties or injuries.

According to Indian Navy, the fishing vessel was hijacked by an armed pirate group earlier last month and was suspected to be used as a ‘mother ship’ to launch further attacks on merchant vessels operating in the region, posing a significant threat to maritime security.

Responding to the incident, the Navy deployed a mission-ready warship, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, to locate and track the hijacked vessel. After sustained surveillance, the naval platforms employed calibrated non-kinetic measures to contain the vessel and prevent it from escaping.

Marine Commandos were subsequently inducted through a precision airdrop by an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft as part of the operation.

The Navy said its commandos carried out a swift tactical intervention, secured the vessel and neutralised the pirate threat, leading to the safe rescue of all 20 crew members.

The operation demonstrated the Navy’s operational preparedness and its ability to undertake complex maritime security missions through seamless coordination with the Air Force.

The successful rescue also reinforces India’s commitment to being a ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly in safeguarding seafarers and ensuring the security of vital international maritime trade routes.