TEAM HERALD
VASCO: Indian Coast Guard on Sunday rescued 13 Iran and three Pakistan nationals from fishing boat ‘Al Husaini’, hijacked over 250 nautical miles west of Lakshadweep Islands.
According to a press note, the fishing boat had departed Kanraka/Chahbhar Port, Iran, on May 16 and was captured by Somali pirates off Socotra.
“The pirates after hijacking the boat for 25 days left it stranded on June 10, emptying food and fuel. On June 21, the Indian Coast Guard was requested for assistance. Coast Guard MRCC diverted merchant vessels to render assistance. Coast Guard aircraft was also launched from Kochi and it detected the distressed vessel on June 21,” states the press note.
“The Coast Guard aircraft diverted the Coast Guard Ship ‘Varuna’ for the rescue mission. In the meantime, the merchant vessels in the area were unable to provide assistance due to rough weather conditions.”
“ICGS ‘Varuna’ reached the area on June 22 and despite prevailing hostile weather sea state was able to provide bare essentials to the stranded boat and crew. The ship also provided medical support to the distraught crew.”
“The fishing boat is being escorted to Kochi by ICGS ‘Varuna’ in prevailing rough weather conditions and the ship is commanded by CDR KM Arun Kumar,” added the press note.
