New Delhi: The Indian Navy apprehended 16 pirates operating west of the Lakshadweep Islands. Indian Navy and Coast Guard are a part of 'Operation Island Watch'. The action was taken by Coast Guard and Indian Navy after a distress message received from MV Maersk Kensington at 11 am on March 26.
A maritime reconnaissance aircraft-TU142 on patrol located the suspected pirate vessel and facilitated homing INS Suvarna, which was on patrol in the area, to intercept the pirate vessel. Coast Guard Ship ICGS Sangram, also on patrol, was diverted for the operations.
The Pirate vessel was identified as Morteza, an Iranian Trawler, hijacked by the pirates and being used as the mother vessel for piracy operations.
The pirate vessel Morteza opened fire on the naval ship and INS Suvarna engaged the pirate vessel in self defence, resulting in Morteza catching fire due to the fuel drums while the pirates and hostages jumped overboard. INS Suvarna quickly recovered the hostages and also launched a Life Raft for the pirates.
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