Indian Navy Swiftly Responds To The Hijacking Of Sri Lankan Fishing Vessel In Collaboration With Seychelles Defence Forces And Sri Lanka Navy

In a commendable display of coordinated multilateral response, the Indian Navy, in collaboration with Seychelles Defence Forces and Sri Lanka Navy, successfully intercepted and rescued a hijacked Sri Lankan fishing vessel.

A hijacking incident was reported onboard the Sri Lankan flagged multiday fishing trawler LORENZO PUTHA 04, approximately 955 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia. On 27 Jan 24, three pirates had boarded and taken control of the fishing trawler.

The Indian Navy swiftly deployed INS Sharda from Kochi on 28 Jan and tasked HALE Sea Guardian to locate and intercept the hijacked fishing vessel. The operational coordination and information sharing through the Sri Lanka and Seychelles International Liaison Officers at IFC IOR, New Delhi played a crucial role in the successful interception of the hijacked fishing vessel by SCGS Topaz in Seychelles EEZ on 29 Jan 24.

The three pirates voluntarily surrendered to the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG), ensuring the safety of all six crew members. The hijacked vessel is currently being escorted to Mahe, Seychelles.