Indian Navy warship INS Trikand thwarted a piracy attempt on the merchant vessel MV Golden Arsenal in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday night, sources told ANI. The vessel, carrying critical cargo for India, had one Indian crew member on board.
Swift Response by Indian Navy
According to sources, the crew locked themselves inside a safe room after pirates attempted to board the ship and alerted authorities through a communication channel. As INS Trikand approached, the pirates fled. Indian Navy Marine Commandos (MARCOS) subsequently boarded and sanitised the vessel.
Previous Incidents
Earlier, on June 19, INS Trikand responded to a distress call from MV Fareeda 5 regarding a likely piracy attempt in the Western Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy stated that timely intervention assured the safety of the merchant vessel. In a post on X, the Indian Navy said: "Responding swiftly to a distress call from MV Fareeda 5 on a likely piracy attempt in the Western Indian Ocean on 17 June 26, mission deployed INS Trikand a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy undertook prompt action to investigate and deter the threat. Timely intervention assured safety of the merchant vessel. As a preferred security partner and first responder in the region, Indian Navy remains committed to safeguarding merchant shipping, countering piracy and ensuring safe and secure seas."
On May 27, INS Kolkata foiled a suspected piracy attempt near merchant vessel MV Mashallah 1 in the Western Indian Ocean. The investigation was conducted using the helicopter onboard INS Kolkata and boarding operations by the ship's crew, ensuring the safety of the merchant vessel and preventing a possible piracy attack.
Commitment to Maritime Security
These operations highlight the Indian Navy's role as a preferred security partner and first responder in the region, committed to safeguarding merchant shipping and countering piracy.
