Latest Topics in News
Indian Navy Rescues Hijacked Iranian Vessel Near Socotra Islands
Indian Navy Conducts Daring Rescue Operation Near Socotra
On March 29, 2024, an Iranian fishing vessel named Al Kambar 786 was hijacked by nine armed pirates approximately 90 nautical miles (166.7 km) southwest of Socotra. The vessel had a crew of 23 Pakistani nationals on board. The hijacking posed a serious threat to the safety of the crew and the vessel, requiring immediate action from the Indian Navy.
Indian Navy Deploys Ships to Intercept Hijacked Vessel
In response to the hijacking, the Indian Navy quickly deployed two of its ships:
- INS Sumedha
- INS Trishul (a guided missile frigate)
INS Sumedha was the first ship to reach the scene, and it was later joined by INS Trishul. The Indian Navy used tactical measures, described as “intense coercive tactical measures as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),” to secure the release of the crew and the vessel.
Successful Rescue After 12-Hour Operation
The Indian Navy’s efforts to rescue the Pakistani crew and secure the release of the hijacked vessel lasted for 12 grueling hours. During this time, the Indian Navy’s tactical measures forced the pirates to surrender. As a result, all 23 Pakistani crew members were safely rescued, and the hijacked vessel was secured.
The Challenges of Piracy in the Arabian Sea
Here is a small table highlighting recent incidents that showcase the challenges of piracy in the Arabian Sea:
| Date | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| March 29, 2024 | Iranian fishing vessel Al Kambar 786 with 23 Pakistani crew hijacked by 9 Somali pirates 90 nautical miles southwest of Socotra | Indian Navy ships INS Sumedha and INS Trishul intercepted the hijacked vessel after a 12-hour operation, forcing the pirates to surrender and rescuing the crew |
| March 2024 | Indian Navy apprehended 35 Somali pirates and rescued 17 crew members of the hijacked vessel Ruen after a 40-hour operation involving marine commandos air-dropped from C-17 aircraft | The pirates were handed over to Mumbai police on March 23 |
| March 2024 | Indian Navy responded to a distress call from a Bangladeshi-flagged cargo vessel hijacked off the Somali coast during its voyage from Mozambique to the UAE | Details of the outcome not provided |
| January 2024 | Indian special forces captured pirates engaged in fishing boat hijackings and foiled another assault on a bigger 170,100-ton ship | Demonstrates the Indian Navy’s proactive role in combating piracy |
These incidents highlight the resurgence of piracy in the Arabian Sea, with Somali pirates targeting various types of vessels, from small fishing boats to large cargo ships.
The Indian Navy’s Commitment to Regional Security
The Indian Navy actively participates in anti-piracy operations and is dedicated to ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. Through initiatives like ‘Op Sankalp,’ the Indian Navy has rescued numerous lives, including both Indian and foreign nationals.
Operation Sankalp is an ongoing maritime security operation conducted by the Indian Navy to address various threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Due to the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region, Indian Navy had commenced Maritime Security Operations, code named ‘Op SANKALP’, in the Gulf Region on 19 June 2019 to ensure safe passage of Indian Flag Vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Navy’s chief, has stressed the force’s proactive approach and readiness to take “affirmative action” to maintain a safer and more secure Indian Ocean Region.
The Socotra Archipelago
Here are few details about the Socotra Archipelago near to which the recent Navy operation was conducted.
The Socotra Archipelago is a group of islands located in the northwest Indian Ocean near the Gulf of Aden. Socotra, the largest island, lies 330 km east of Cape Gardafui, Somaliland and 450 km south of the coast of Yemen.
This archipelago is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and high level of endemism, earning it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Socotra Archipelago is located at the crossroads of the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean. This strategic location makes the archipelago a critical point for maritime security.
Major shipping routes pass near the Socotra Archipelago, which highlights the importance of maintaining stability and safety in the region.
The Socotra Archipelago consists of four islands and two rocky islets, forming a 250 km-long island chain that appears as an extension of the Horn of Africa. The main island, Socotra, covers an area of 3,625 square kilometres (1,400 square miles). Socotra is famous for its rich plant diversity, with:
- 825 plant species in total
- 307 (37%) endemic plant species
The unique flora and fauna of the Socotra Archipelago have earned it the nickname “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean”.
Comparison to Other Biodiversity-Rich Islands
Socotra’s level of endemism is exceptionally high, comparable to other biodiversity-rich islands:
| Islands | Area (km2) | Number of Plant Species | Number of Endemics | % Endemic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juan Fernandez | 93 | 147 | 118 | 80 |
| Socotra | 3,799 | 825 | 307 | 37 |
| Galapagos | 7,844 | 543 | 229 | 42 |
Final Thoughts
The Indian Navy’s successful rescue operation near the Socotra Archipelago highlights the importance of swift and decisive action in combating piracy and ensuring the safety of maritime routes.
As the Indian Navy remains committed to its role as a guardian of the seas, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with maintaining maritime security in the Arabian Sea and beyond.
