24-Hour Marcos Commandos Rescue Operation: First Video of Liberated Individuals
A hijacked ship off the coast of Somalia in the Arabian Sea underwent a successful operation by the Indian Navy on the night of Friday, January 5th. All 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, were safely rescued.
Video of Rescue Operation Released, Crew Expresses Gratitude
During the rescue operation, a video was released showing the rescued crew expressing gratitude, including chanting slogans of victory for India. These individuals had been held captive since January 4th when the ship was hijacked by armed individuals with weapons.
Prompt Response to Hijacking Incident by Indian Navy
The Indian Navy responded promptly to the hijacking incident, initiating a rescue operation on January 5th after receiving a distress message from the hijacked ship through the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) portal. It was reported that on the evening of January 4th, 5-6 armed individuals had boarded the ship.
Commandos Successfully Free Ship from Hijackers
On Friday night, the Marcos Commandos, specialized marine commandos of the Indian Navy, successfully freed the hijacked ship from the clutches of the hijackers. The commandos boarded the ship around 8 PM, conducted a thorough search, and found no hijackers on board. It is believed that the decisive action of the Indian Navy deterred the hijackers, prompting them to abandon the ship.
Who Are the Marcos Commandos?
The Marcos Commandos, also known as Marine Commando Force (MCF), are an elite unit of the Indian Navy trained for special operations in water, air, and land. Renowned for their expertise in underwater combat, Marcos Commandos are known for their lethal capabilities in various environments. They are a key component of the Indian Navy’s special forces.
Hijacking Incident Details
The hijacked ship, named Leela Norfolk and flying the Liberian flag, had set sail from Porto du Ekuthera Bay in Brazil towards Khalifa bin Salman Port. According to the vessel finder’s reports, the ship had last made contact on December 30th. Specific details about who conducted the hijacking are not yet available.
Recent Piracy Attacks in Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden
In the last two months, the fifth incident of piracy occurred when assailants targeted Indian crew members on a ship. Previously, on December 23, a cargo ship named “Kem Pluto” faced an attack in the Indian Ocean, 217 nautical miles (about 400 km) from the coast of Porbandar.
On December 24, the M/V Saibaba, a Gabon-flagged oil tanker, was hijacked by drones in the Red Sea, carrying 25 Indian crew members. The incident took place approximately 45 nautical miles south-west of Bab al-Mandab Strait, near Salif port in Saudi Arabia.
On December 14, pirates hijacked a ship near Malta. Maritime incidents involving attacks on commercial vessels in the Arabian and Red Seas are increasing. Earlier, on December 14, pirates hijacked a ship near Malta.
Subsequently, a naval vessel released a captured ship in the Gulf of Aden, which had been hijacked for the rescue of a crew member. The rescued sailor sustained serious injuries and was transported to Oman, as the ship couldn’t provide medical assistance.
According to maritime executives, the hijacked ship was heading from Korea to Turkey. Afterward, Somali pirates attacked it near the coast of Eritrea.
Houthi Rebels Hijack Cargo Ship in the Red Sea
On November 19, Houthi rebels hijacked the “Galaxy Leader,” a cargo ship, in the Red Sea. The ship was heading from Turkey to India, and the hijackers, identified as Houthis, handed it over to a warship from Israel. The incident involved 25 Indian crew members.
Details about the ship’s hijacking prompted Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold Iran responsible for the attack on an international vessel. He labeled it as an act of terrorism by Iran, which could impact global shipping.
Rise of Piracy in Somalia Since 1990
Since 1990, piracy has increased significantly in Somalia, a country with a substantial population engaged in fishing. Initially dependent on fishing-related commerce, Somalia witnessed a rise in piracy when foreign companies exploited the marine resources, leading to job losses for local fishermen. This situation prompted the local population to take up arms.
The people of Somalia, once engaged in small-scale fishing, turned to piracy as a means of survival. Large trawlers from foreign companies posed a threat to their livelihood, leading to an armed struggle against them. In 2005, this escalated to the extent that piracy became a lucrative venture, and pirates started targeting ships for ransom. The establishment of the Pirate Stock Exchange in 2009 formalized the process, giving locals a significant share of the proceeds.
Impact on Global Shipping and International Response
The rise of piracy in Somalia has had far-reaching consequences on global shipping. Piracy has become a lucrative business for the local population, leading to increased attacks on international vessels. In response, the international community, led by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, holds Iran responsible for supporting terrorism and attacking ships in international waters. This situation not only poses a threat to maritime security but also affects the shipping industry worldwide.
Since 1990, Somalia has witnessed a significant increase in piracy, primarily driven by economic hardships, loss of livelihood, and exploitation of marine resources by foreign companies. The consequences of this piracy go beyond local conflicts, impacting global shipping and prompting international efforts to address the root causes and find lasting solutions.
