New Delhi, July 2: The Gulf of Aden witnessed another pirate attack targeting a merchant vessel. However, the swift and precise action of the Indian Navy thwarted the pirates’ plans.
The Indian Navy warship INS Trikand arrived on the scene just in time to assist the distressed cargo ship MV Golden Arsenal. The naval vessel not only controlled the situation but also ensured the safety of the ship and its crew.
According to the Indian Navy, on July 1, the bulk carrier MV Golden Arsenal, flagged under Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, reported an attempted pirate attack while en route from Aden, Yemen. This incident occurred approximately 300 nautical miles northeast of Djibouti. Upon receiving the attack alert, the Indian Navy was notified through the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). The Indian warship INS Trikand, already deployed on a maritime security mission in the area, was immediately dispatched to the ship’s location.
During the pirate attack, some damage was inflicted on the bridge superstructure and associated parts of the merchant vessel. The crew, consisting of 21 members including one Indian national, displayed vigilance by moving to the ship’s secure area known as the ‘citadel.’
The ‘citadel’ is a specially designed safe room for crew protection in emergencies. Thanks to this precaution, all crew members remained safe, and there were no reports of casualties. Meanwhile, on the morning of July 2, a special boarding team from INS Trikand reached MV Golden Arsenal via helicopters and boats. Navy commandos and specialists conducted a thorough search of the ship to ensure no pirates were hiding onboard. After several hours of operation, no suspicious individuals were found.
Subsequently, the crew members safely exited the citadel and began assessing the ship’s condition alongside Indian Navy personnel. To enhance the operation’s effectiveness, the Indian Navy also deployed its state-of-the-art P-8I maritime patrol aircraft in the area. This aircraft maintained aerial surveillance and reconnaissance, continuously monitoring the surrounding waters. The presence of the P-8I allowed the Indian Navy to gather accurate information about the area, enabling a prompt response to any potential threats. Once the ship was declared safe and the immediate danger eliminated, the anti-piracy operation of INS Trikand was successfully concluded.
Following this, MV Golden Arsenal resumed its maritime journey. This incident once again underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to the safety of not only Indian vessels but also all merchant ships and sailors navigating international waters. Regardless of nationality, assisting distressed maritime vessels reflects the Indian Navy’s professional capability and its responsibility towards global maritime security.
In light of the increasing challenges in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean region, the actions of INS Trikand send a clear message to pirates that the Indian Navy remains vigilant and prepared to maintain security and stability in international waters.
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