The Indian Navy foiled a piracy attempt on an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, FV Omaril, off the east coast of Somalia on February 2 and ensured the release of the crew — 11 Iranian and eight Pakistani nationals — along with the boat.
“Information regarding piracy attempt on fishing vessel FV Omaril was monitored on January 31. The Indian naval remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), undertaking surveillance in the area, successfully located FV Omaril, and INS Sharda, deployed for anti-piracy mission in the region, was diverted to intercept the boat,” the Navy said in a statement on Friday.
Seven pirates had boarded FV Omaril and taken the crew hostages, according to the Navy. “INS Sharda intercepted the vessel in early hours of February 2 and used her integral helicopter and boats to coerce the pirates for safe release of crew along with the vessel,” it said.
