Indian Navy foils pirate attack on cargo ship in Gulf of Aden

NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy has thwarted an attempted pirate attack on the cargo ship MV Golden Arsenal, which was carrying cargo to India, in the Gulf of Aden.

The emergency operation took place on the night of July 1. The Indian Navy's warship INS Trikand, which was on anti-piracy patrol in the region, responded quickly to the distress call. The vessel was reportedly carrying valuable cargo.

According to officials, the pirates had intended to hijack the ship and hold the crew hostage for ransom. Upon spotting the pirates, the alert crew immediately retreated to the ship’s secure safe room and transmitted an emergency alert to the Indian Navy.

INS Trikand immediately reached the area. Indian Navy MARCOS (Marine Commandos) boarded the cargo ship and took control of the situation. Realising that the Navy had arrived, the pirates fled the scene.

All crew members, including one Indian national, are safe. No cargo or property on board was damaged or stolen.

Indian Navy protecting global shipping

• The Gulf of Aden is one of the world's busiest sea trade routes and has long been vulnerable to pirate attacks. To protect merchant ships, the Indian Navy has maintained a strong anti-piracy patrol in the region for the past two years. The Indian Navy has also helped several foreign ships facing pirate threats.
• On June 19, INS Trikand prevented a pirate attack on the cargo ship MV Fareed in the western Indian Ocean.
• On May 27, the cargo ship MV Mashallah came under a similar attack in the western Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy's INS Kolkata responded and rescued the vessel.