Navy foils pirates' attack for third time in a month

New Delhi: In its third rescue act within a month, the Indian Navy on Saturday arrested 23 pirates who attempted to hijack an Ethiopian vessel some 160 nautical miles off the Yemeni port of Aden, an official here said.

The pirates - 12 Somalis and 11 Yemenis - are being held on board the Indian Navy destroyer INS Mysore that has been deployed in the area while the legalities regarding their disembarkation and prosecution are worked out, a navy spokesman said.

Giving details of the incident, the spokesman said: "Around 12 noon, INS Mysore received an SOS from the Ethiopian vessel MV Jide, 159 nautical miles east of Aden, that it was under attack from two vessels.

"Armed choppers with Marcos (marine commandoes) immediately flew to the rescue and Mysore also started to close in.

"The commandoes broke off the attack by the pirates and stopped a dhow and a skiff carrying 12 Somalis and 11 Yemenis (between them)," the spokesman added.

"The pirates are now on board Mysore and further legalities are being looked into as to where they should be disembarked and prosecuted." A large cache of arms and equipment, including seven AK-47s, one 5.56mm rifle, one 7.62mm rifle, one Rocket Propelled Grenade launcher, 13 loaded magazines, one GPS instrument and one mobile phone were recovered from the pirates, the spokesman said.

Reputation

On November 18, the Indian Navy earned worldwide accolade after the stealth frigate INS Tabar sank a Somali pirate vessel after coming under attack in the Gulf of Aden.

On November 8, INS Tabar had, in a daring rescue mission, foiled an attempt by pirates to hijack two ships - an Indian and a Saudi Arabian merchant vessel.

Somali pirates have attempted 95 hijackings this year alone, a 75 per cent increase since 2007.

What is your view on India's role in tackling the issue of piracy? Should other countries do more to address the problem?

You have to appreciate India's Navy. More nations have to send their navies to tackle this grave issue.
Regin
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 14, 2008, 09:01

India is doing a great job. The pirates carry deadly modern weapons.
Baiju Murathankal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 14, 2008, 08:31

I really appreciate the Indian Navy.They are really capable and once again they proved that they are world class.To get rid of pirates completely they need absolute support from all other countries,who are the victims of these Pirates.
Ravi Sankar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 14, 2008, 08:02

It's really a fantastic job. Bravo for the Indian Navy!
Raymond Lim
Manila,Philippines
Posted: December 14, 2008, 07:40

This is a very serious issue and all coutries should work against them.
Zaheer
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 14, 2008, 07:30

I think it is wonderful that the Indians are fighting back and certainly more countries need to help protect the merchants and tankers. If this is not addressed it will only cost us all a lot in the end.
Keith Schulze
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 14, 2008, 07:20

I am an Indian from Mumbai and I think this is the right thing to do.
Noel Gonsalves
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 14, 2008, 07:20

Excellent work by the Indian Navy!
Raj
Calgary,Canada
Posted: December 14, 2008, 06:57

I certainly think other countries should equally take part in securing the seas.
Prashant
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 14, 2008, 06:15

I think the Indian Navy should also focus on homeland security.
From a reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 14, 2008, 04:54

It is a relief for the world to see India fighting evil.
Shan
Ajman,UAE
Posted: December 14, 2008, 04:26

I believe that India as well as other countries should continue to address piracy in the current manner in that it should be eradicated by whatever legal means necessary.
Chris
Toronto,Canada
Posted: December 14, 2008, 03:57

Well done Indian Navy!
Calvin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 14, 2008, 02:13