Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Trikand responded swiftly to a reported piracy attempt on the bulk carrier MV Golden Arsenal, approximately 300 nautical miles east-northeast of Djibouti on July 1, 2026. The vessel, flagged under St Vincent and the Grenadines, was en route from Aden, Yemen, with 21 crew members, including one Indian national. The Indian Navy confirmed the safety of all crew despite damage to the bridge superstructure and adjoining compartments.
Swift Naval Response and Sanitisation Operation
Mission deployed INS Trikand arrived in the vicinity early on July 2. Specialist teams from the frigate boarded the vessel and carried out a thorough sanitisation operation. No suspicious personnel were found onboard. The Indian Navy team safely moved the crew from the citadel—where they had locked themselves after the attack—and assisted in restoring the vessel to operational readiness for the continuation of her voyage.
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. The pirates fled as INS Trikand approached the vessel. Indian Navy Marine Commandos (MARCOS) later boarded and sanitised the ship. The Indian Navy P8I aircraft also undertook aerial surveillance and reconnaissance in support of the operation.
Commitment to Maritime Security
With anti-piracy operations concluded and the vessel rendered safe for further transit, MV Golden Arsenal has resumed her voyage. The Indian Navy stated, "As preferred security partner, Indian Navy remains committed to safeguarding merchant shipping, countering piracy and ensuring safe and secure seas for all." The vessel was carrying critical cargo for India, according to sources.
This incident follows a similar response on June 19, when INS Trikand responded to a distress call from MV Fareeda 5 on a likely piracy attempt in the Western Indian Ocean and undertook prompt action to investigate and deter it. The Indian Navy's continued presence in the Gulf of Aden underscores its role as a key security provider in the region.
