New Delhi. Indian Navy’s warship INS Trikand foiled an attempt by pirates to attack the cargo ship ‘MV Golden Arsenal’ in the Gulf of Aden. On July 1, near the Gulf of Aden, pirates attempted to attack a cargo ship named ‘MV Golden Arsenal’. During this time, INS Trikand of the Indian Navy deployed in the Gulf of Aden took immediate action and ensured the safety of the ship. The cargo ship was operating under the flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While on a voyage from Aden (Yemen), the ship reported an attempted attack by pirates approximately 300 nautical miles east-northeast of Djibouti. This information was shared with the Information Fusion Center-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). After this, INS Trikand, already deployed in that area, was immediately sent to help the ship.
There were a total of 21 crew members on this cargo ship, including one Indian. The ship’s bridge (from where the ship is controlled) and parts near it were damaged in the attack. For safety, all the crew members had gone to the ship’s safe room (Citadel) and all were safe.
A team from INS Trikand reached the ship on Thursday morning. The team searched the entire ship and took stock of the situation. No suspicious person was found on the ship during the search. The crew then safely came out of the Citadel and along with the Indian Navy team, began assessing the damage to the ship.
Keeping security in mind, the Indian Navy also sent its P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to the area. This aircraft carried out aerial surveillance and reconnaissance, which helped in keeping an eye on the entire area and better conducting anti-piracy operations.
INS Trikand ended the anti-piracy operation after the safety of the ship was ensured. After this ‘MV Golden Arsenal’ resumed its onward journey.
The Indian Navy has reiterated that it is fully committed to the security of merchant ships and sailors of all countries in the Indian Ocean region. Combating piracy and ensuring safe navigation at sea is its constant priority, regardless of the country to which the ship or its crew belongs.
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