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Navy Action Indian Navy had taken lead against Somali sea pirates who have emerged as one of the biggest threat to the sea business route in the Gulf of Aden in recent weeks. According to Indian Navy they fought a small battle with the Somali sea pirates and destroyed their vessel on Wednesday. The speed boats that were accompanying the ‘mothership’ sped away when it was blown up later on. Indian government has deployed INS Tabar, an Indian navel warship to provide security to the Indian vassals that navigate through the pirate-prone sea area. Indian government had taken this step after some Indian shipping firms had said that they were loosing almost $450,000 a month and delays in deliveries.

Battle According the Indian Navy claims they had spotted the pirate vessel at 285 nautical miles (528km) south-west of Salalah in Oman on Tuesday evening. When it was asked to stop for investigation it did not stop. Some people, armed with guns and rocket propelled grenade launchers were spotted on board of the suspected vessel. Instead of following Navy’s orders they opened fire on INS Tabar. According to the Navy statement the pirates had threatened to “blow up the naval warship if it closed on her”. Pirates then opened fire on the navel ship that was retaliated by the Navy with resulted in blasts on the navel vessel following which it sank. The explosions on board of the pirate ship indicate that there were some explosives stored in that vessel. Some of the pirated had succeeded in escaping in two speed boats to which Indian sailors gave chase. One of the speedboats was later on found abandoned. INS Tabar is patrolling the pirate infested area since October 23 to escort Indian ships to travel safely through the Gulf of Aden. A few days ago Indian marines had saved an Indian merchant vessel from being abducted by the Somali pirates. Till now Somali pirates have attacked and abducted almost 90 vessels some of which released only after paying hefty ransom amounts. Somali pirates have last seized some sea vessels that includes a Greek bulk career, a Hong Kong flagged ship, a Thai fishing boat and a Saudi Supertanker carrying $100 million oil.

Appreciation World community has appreciated Indian Navy’s action against the Somali pirates. International Maritime Bureau, that is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has termed it a ‘rare victory in the sea war against Somali pirates. Its chief Noel Choong said that he was heartened by INS Tabar’s success. Many other warships are patrolling the area to provide security to the sea vessels but despite their presence pirate attacks have increased. To counter the problem some forceful action needs to be taken and Indian Navy has taken the action that everybody was waiting for.