Indian Navy Frees 20 Crew From Hijacked Iranian Fishing Vessel

Indian naval forces recovered the Iranian fishing boat Azini on Monday, freeing its 20 crew members after a hijacking that lasted more than four days. India's Defense Ministry confirmed the operation concluded without casualties among the rescued personnel.

The vessel was seized on Oct. 29 between Bandar Bayla and Hafun in northeastern Somalia. Indian forces located the ship in the Arabian Sea, approximately 3,000 kilometers from Mumbai. The rescue mission required a coordinated effort involving a warship, a maritime surveillance aircraft, and marine commandos. An Air Force C-17 transport plane also airdroped additional troops to assist in securing the vessel.

Puntland Maritime Police Force officials stated that Indian forces disarmed 12 suspected Somali pirates and confiscated their mobile phones. The suspects and two Somali security guards were released and later arrived at Bandar Bayla. Three individuals sustained minor injuries, though it remained unclear whether they were crew members or guards.

A Puntland maritime police officer noted that the vessel initially carried 21 Iranian crew members and two Somali security guards. This count is one higher than the 20 crew members India reported as rescued. The official added that regional authorities learned of the successful rescue only after it was completed.

The incident occurs amid a resurgence of Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean. Since April, pirates have hijacked six commercial vessels. In September, security forces recovered the tanker MT Honour 25 after pirates killed five of its crew members. The tanker had been held since April, and authorities detained 16 suspected pirates in that operation.

Shipping costs in the region have risen due to disruptions from the Iran war and Houthi threats in the Strait of Hormuz. Some oil shipments diverting around Africa now face journeys up to a month longer. The renewed piracy activity adds to the complexity of these already extended routes, prompting renewed concerns among international naval patrols.