Indian Navy Foils Another Piracy Attempt Along East Coast of Somalia

Indian Navy received the information regarding piracy attempt on Fishing Vessel FV Omari on 31 January 2024. Navy’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft, undertaking surveillance in the area, successfully located FV Omari. INS Sharda, deployed for anti-piracy mission in the region was diverted to intercept the boat.

FV Omari, an Iranian flagged vessel, had been boarded by seven pirates who had taken the crew as hostages. INS Sharda intercepted the vessel in early hours of 2 February 2024 and used her integral helicopter and boats to coerce the pirates for safe release of crew along with the vessel.

The ship has ensured successful release of the crew (11 Iranian and eight Pakistani nationals) members along with the boat. The ship also undertook confirmatory boarding on FV Omari to sanitise and check on the well-being of the crew who had been held captive by the Somali pirates.

Relentless efforts by Indian Naval platforms, mission deployed for anti-piracy and maritime security operations, continue to save precious life at sea, symbolising Indian Navy’s resolve towards safety of all vessels and seafarers at sea.