Indian Navy Rescues Hijacked Iranian Fishing Vessel and Frees 20 Crew Members off Somalia

The Indian Navy has successfully rescued an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, Azini, and freed all 20 crew members following a high-stakes anti-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia.

According to reports, Indian Navy Marine Commandos (MARCOs) carried out a daring operation to regain control of the vessel after it was hijacked by armed Somali pirates. The commandos reportedly parachuted into the sea from an Indian Air Force C-17 transport aircraft before moving to secure the vessel.

All 20 Iranian crew members were rescued safely, with no casualties reported.

The operation was launched after the European Union Maritime Security Centre alerted authorities that armed pirates had boarded the fishing vessel. An Indian Navy warship, supported by a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, tracked the vessel before the intervention was carried out.

Naval authorities were particularly concerned that the pirates might use the hijacked fishing boat as a mother ship to launch further attacks on commercial vessels operating along key international shipping routes in the region.

The successful operation prevented the vessel from potentially being used for further pirate attacks and ensured the safe release of its crew.