Setting another example of fearlessness, the Indian Navy on Wednesday rescued 21 crew members including an Indian national after their cargo vessel was attacked by a missile by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden. The Gulf of Aden is a deepwater gulf of the Indian Ocean between Yemen to the north, the Arabian Sea to the east, Djibouti to the west, and the Guardafui Channel, Socotra and Somalia to the south.
In a social media post, the Indian Navy said that INS Kolkata rescued the crew using "integral helicopter and boats". It added that the navy personnel involved in the operation also provided them with critical medical aid.
One Indian crew also rescued
According to the statement released by the Indian Navy's spokesperson, the vessel which was targeted was Barbados-flagged Liberian-owned bulk carrier True Confidence. Taking to X, the Indian Navy wrote, "Indian Navy's swift response to Maritime Incident in the Gulf of Aden. Barbados Flagged Bulk Carrier MV #TrueConfidence reported on fire after a drone/missile hit on 06 Mar, approx 54 nm South West of Aden, resulting in critical injuries to crew, forcing them to abandon ship."
"INS Kolkata deployed for Maritime Security Operations, arrived on location at 1645 hrs & rescued 21 crew, incl one Indian national, using integral helicopter and boats. Critical medical aid was provided to the injured crew. The crew of #TrueConfidence were subsequently evacuated to Djibouti, PM 06 Mar," they added.
Indian Navy has conducted multiple rescue operations recently
It is worth mentioning that cargo vessels have been subject to attack ever since Israel and Hamas were entangled in the war in October last year. This prompted several sea traders to look into alternatives to the Red Sea or abandon their business projects. However, some of them are still continuing the same routes.
Earlier on March 4, Monday, the Indian Navy swiftly responded to a drone strike on a Liberian-flagged commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden. According to reports, the vessel, transiting about 90 nautical miles southeast of Aden, reported a fire resulting from a drone or missile attack. The Indian Navy's INS Kolkata, engaged in maritime security operations in the region, promptly arrived at the scene of the incident at 2230 hours.
"INS Kolkata, mission deployed in the region for maritime security operations, promptly responded and arrived at the scene of the incident by 10.30 pm," the Navy statement read.
Also Read: Indian Navy swiftly responds to drone attack on merchant ship in Gulf of Aden | WATCH
