Indian Navy Demonstrates its Skill in Curbing Pirate Activity

Once again, an efficient joint operation mounted at short notice on November 2 has demonstrated the skill of the Indian Navy in curtailing what appears to be pirate activity.

On October 29, the Iranian fishing vessel Azini (MMSI 422048400) was seized by a group of 12 Somali pirates in the Guardafui Channel, on the coast of the unrecognized Puntland administration in Somalia, offshore from Bandar Bayla and Xaafun.

Piracy emanating from this coastline has been endemic for decades, with the epicenter of the scourge generally considered to be the town of Eyl further south down the coast. Locals complain that with a lack of effective central government, foreign unregulated fishing boats can strip local waters of fish stock, leaving local fishermen unable to take sufficient catch to support themselves. If some locals then resort to piracy, the entire fishing community suffers further, as the Puntland administration - supported by aid programs - seeks to curb piracy by preventing legitimate fishing boats from going out to sea. The Azini was one such foreign fishing vessel harvesting local fishing stocks, and in this instance the seizure of the Azini may have been both an act of piracy and an attempt at direct action by locals targeting foreign fishing.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →