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Pirates release Indian registered dhow

An Indian registered dhow ‘Al-Kausar’ which was hijacked off the island of Socotra on 1 April and taken to the…

Pirates release Indian registered dhow

(PHOTO: Getty Images)

An Indian registered dhow ‘Al-Kausar’ which was hijacked off the island of Socotra on 1 April and taken to the port of Hobyo, on the eastern coast of Somalia was taken over by the Indian Navy. The 10 crew members who were captured and held by pirates were released on 11 and 12  April after negotiations.

The Indian Navy redeployed its ship, operating in the Gulf of Aden for Anti-Piracy Patrol, to the east coast of Somalia to monitor the ongoing situation and remain on standby for any other contingency operations.

In the interim, negotiations commenced between the owner and the hijackers for the safe release of the vessel, its cargo and crew. All inter-government agencies maintained a close watch and effective coordination during the progress of negotiations, according to a Navy release.

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Somalian Security Forces also provided support and assistance during this operation with armed guards being positioned on the dhow off Hobyo harbour as well as search parties undertaking operations to locate the remaining crew ashore.

The Indian Navy formally accepted the Dhow ‘Al-Kausar’ from the Mayor of Hobyo, Somalia, on 13 April and the Indian Navy ship, deployed for this operation took over the dhow and escorted it into international waters and onward towards its next destination. The ship conducted a medical checkup for all the crew members and provided necessary supplies for the onward journey, prior to resuming anti-piracy patrol operations.

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