WATCH | ‘India zindabad’: 29 Pakistanis rescued from Somali pirates thank Indian Navy

Following a successful rescue operation by the Indian Navy, 23 Pakistani nationals aboard the Iranian fishing vessel Al-Kambar thanked the naval forces on Saturday (Mar 30) for their efforts to free them from Somali pirates who hijacked their ship.

The crew members, rescued from the clutches of Somali pirates, lauded the efforts of the Indian Navy for ensuring their safety. In a video statement, one of the Pakistani nationals looked relieved and said that they were rescued from the pirates by the Indian Navy after their relentless engagement throughout the night to thwart the pirates.

He thanked Navy for giving them their freedom back by making the pirates surrender.

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The crew members were also seen chanting slogans and praising the Indian Navy. They chanted, "Indian Navy Ka Shukriya. India Zindabad (Thank you to the Indian Navy. Long live India)."

India Navy said that it "remains committed to ensuring maritime security in the region & safety of the seafarers, irrespective of the nationalities."

Hijacking of Al-Kambar 786

The fishing vessel Al-Kambar 786 was hijacked by pirates southwest of the Yemeni island of Socotra on March 28.

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Upon receiving the distress call, two Indian Naval ships, INS Sumedha and INS Trishul, were diverted to intercept the hijacked vessel, which had been boarded by armed pirates.

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"Two Indian Naval ships, mission deployed in the Arabian Sea for maritime security operations were diverted to intercept the hijacked FV, reported to have been boarded by nine armed pirates," the Navy said in a statement.

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After over 12 hours of intense tactical measures as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the pirates surrendered. Later, the Indian Naval specialist teams conducted thorough checks and ensured the vessel's seaworthiness.

The crew, comprising 23 Pakistani nationals, also underwent medical check-ups before being cleared to resume fishing activities. Meanwhile, the captured pirates are being brought to India for further legal proceedings in alignment with the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act of 2022, as per a Navy.

(With inputs from agencies)