The Chief of Navy awards unit citation to INS Sharda for anti-piracy operations

Navy Chief Admiral Hari Kumar has awarded INS Sharda an ‘On-the-spot Unit Citation’ for successfully conducting anti-piracy operations at sea, officials said on Saturday.

The ship was involved in the safe release of all 19 crew members (11 Iranian and 8 Pakistani) of the Iranian fishing vessel ‘Omari’, which was held hostage by pirates off the east coast of Somalia, the Indian Navy said in a statement issued by its spokesperson.

Admiral Kumar, during his visit to Southern Naval Command, Kochi, awarded ‘On-the-spot Unit Citation’ to INS Sharda for successfully conducting anti-piracy operations, the report said.

The ship was tasked to investigate the Iranian fishing vessel ‘Omari’, which was likely hijacked by pirates, the navy said.

“Based on surveillance data from the Navy RPA, the ship intercepted the ship and kept a secret trail all night. During the early morning hours of February 2, the ship’s integral helicopter and subsequently the Prahar team were launched,” the statement said.

The ship’s “aggressive attitude” forced the pirates to safely release the crew and boat. The ship’s quick and decisive actions resulted in the rescue of the hijacked fishing vessel and its crew from Somali pirates, the statement said.

The ship’s relentless effort, deployed for anti-piracy operations, saved precious lives at sea and reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s resolve to enhance the safety of seafarers in the Indian Ocean region, it added.

The Navy chief interacted with team INS Sharda and commended them for “responding to piracy attacks with enthusiasm, leading to safe and successful conduct of operations at sea under challenging conditions”.

During his speech, he complimented the crew’s professional approach, which resulted in recognition and acclaim of the Indian Navy as the preferred security partner in the region, the report said.

First print: April 6, 2024 | 6:34 PM IST