Indian Navy thwarts piracy attempt
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, May 29, IRNA -- An Indian Naval Ship, which is currently in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy surveillance and patrol operations foiled a daring piracy attempt on Liberian registered merchant vessel MV Maud.
On Thursday, MV Maud with an Indian Master and nine Indian crew, reported a skiff manned by eight armed personnel approaching her at high speed.
The position of the incident was approximately 225 nm east of Aden.
The Indian warship immediately responded to the distress call and advised the vessel to increase speed and carry out evasive manoeuvres to avoid getting boarded.
Simultaneously, the warship launched her helicopter with Marine Commandoes embarked and started closing the distressed vessel at best speed.
Since, further piracy attacks were possible due to the low visibility prevailing in the area, the warship proceeded with full dispatch to continue with her escort mission, as warships from other countries had arrived on the scene for any follow up action.
The three merchant ships are presently being escorted safely through the Gulf of Aden.
The Indian warship effectively averted the piracy attempt just in time by prompt and timely action.
This has been much appreciated by the owners, crew and officers of the merchant vessel.
From available records, it is appreciated that this may be the first instance of a piracy attempt being thwarted when the pirates were actually in the process of boarding a merchant ship.
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