Anti-Piracy Operations, Gulf of Aden Deployment
Since 2008, IN has been regularly deployed for anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden along with other navies of the world so as to safeguard maritime trade and curb piracy in the region. As on 25 Sep 17, 65 IN ships have been deployed on anti-piracy patrol duties. These have safely escorted 3784 merchant ships including 402 Indian flagged vessels and 24823 Indian seafarers in the region. No ship under escort by the IN has ever been hijacked. A total of 120 pirates have been apprehended and 43 piracy attacks have been thwarted by the IN. Concerted efforts of the international community and the navies of over 25 nations has resulted in the downfall of piracy to one in 2016 from 117 in 2009. Further, IN efforts at Gulf of Aden and along with Indian Coast Guard in Arabian Sea have resulted in shifting of Piracy High Risk Area closer to the Somali coast from Central Arabian Sea thereby saving large amount of insurance costs for all the merchant ships. IN’s presence in this region is being maintained to ensure safety and security of Indian trade. Few notable recent incidents where IN ships have undertaken operations to foil piracy attack are enumerated:-
(a) Hijacking of Indian Dhow Al Kausar. Al Kausar, an Indian Dhow, was hijacked on 01 Apr 17 with 10 Indians onboard and taken to Hobyo, Somalia. IN ship Sharda, deployed for anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden was diverted off Hobyo to monitor the situation and render necessary assistance. Post negotiations, the Dhow was released on 12 Apr 17 and Sharda safely escorted Al Kausar to Kismayo, Somalia. During the passage to Kismayo, the Dhow was approached by suspicious two skiffs, however, Sharda prevented any further incident and ensured the safety of Al Kausar.
Escort of Indian Dhow Al-Kausar by INS Sharda
(b) Piracy Attempt onboard MV OS 35. In a notable incident of piracy, a Bulk Carrier, OS 35 (with 19 Filipino crew onboard) reported being hijacked on 08 Apr 17. IN ships Mumbai, Tarkash, Trishul and Aditya, which were proceeding on an Overseas Deployment, were diverted to provide assistance. IN undertook continuous aerial surveillance to sanitise the upper decks of the merchant ship and one Marine Commando team was made stand-by to board the ship. A PLA(N) ship was also operating in close proximity of the vessel. Under the aerial surveillance cover provided by the IN helo and on receiving ‘all clear signal’ from the IN, PLA(N) personnel boarded the ship and undertook further operations. This was a fine example of navy-navy cooperation in ensuring peace and order at sea.
Merchant Vessel OS 35
(c) Boarding and Search Operations of Suspicious Skiffs. While on anti-piracy mission, based on an alarm raised by Merchant Vessel Lord Mountbatten, IN ship Sharda apprehended two mother boats along with 7-8 skiffs on 16 May 17. During the boarding operation, the ship seized one AK-47 along with ammunition. The seizure of the weapon along with ammunition and magazines was significant as the weapons would have been used in a piracy attack.
