In a display of international cooperation, the Indian Navy, in conjunction with Seychelles Defence Forces and the Sri Lanka Navy, successfully thwarted the hijacking of a Sri Lankan fishing vessel, ensuring the safety of its crew, an Indian government press release said.
The incident took place as the Sri Lankan-flagged multiday fishing trawler, Lorenzo Putha 04, reported a hijacking approximately 955 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia. Earlier Sri Lankan navy spokesman Gayan Wickramasuriya reportedly said, “Our information is that they were captured by Somali pirates.”
Three pirates had taken control of the fishing trawler on Saturday last week (Jan 27).
Responding swiftly to the distress call, the Indian Navy deployed INS Sharada from Kochi on January 28 and tasked HALE Sea Guardian to locate and intercept the hijacked fishing vessel.
The collaborative efforts extended to efficient operational coordination and information sharing through the Sri Lanka and Seychelles International Liaison Officers at IFC IOR, New Delhi.
The culmination of these efforts occurred on January 29, 2024, when the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel, SCGS Topaz, intercepted the hijacked fishing vessel within the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The three pirates chose to surrender to the Seychelles Coast Guard, ensuring the safety of all six crew members aboard the vessel.
The bulk carrier MV Ruen also fell victim to a hijacking carried out by Somali pirates last month. The vessel, owned by Bulgaria and flying the flag of Malta, was taken over 380 nautical miles east of the Yemeni island of Socotra on December 16.
Following the seizure, the pirates, after releasing one injured sailor to the custody of the Indian navy, transported the MV Ruen along with its remaining 17 crew members to the semi-autonomous state of Puntland in Somalia.
(With inputs from agencies)
