The Indian Navy swiftly responded to an attempted pirate attack on a Grenadine-flagged bulk carrier, about 300 nautical miles east-northeast of Djibouti. The MV Golden Arsenal, with 21 crew members including one Indian national, reported the incident. In coordination with the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), INS Trikand intercepted the merchant vessel.
INS Trikand, a stealth frigate operating in the Gulf of Aden, promptly arrived at the scene of the reported piracy attempt. Despite damage to the vessel’s bridge superstructure, all crew members were confirmed safe by the Master of MV Golden Arsenal. The crew had sought refuge in the vessel’s citadel.
Specialist teams from INS Trikand conducted a sanitisation operation on the vessel, finding no suspicious personnel on board. The Indian Navy team successfully moved the crew from the citadel and assisted in restoring the vessel for its onward journey. Additionally, an Indian Navy P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft conducted aerial surveillance and reconnaissance to enhance maritime domain awareness in the area.
With the anti-piracy operations completed and the vessel deemed safe for transit, MV Golden Arsenal has resumed its voyage. The Indian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding merchant shipping, countering piracy, and ensuring secure seas for all as the Preferred Security Partner.
