In a daring operation, the Indian Navy successfully rescued the crew members of a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden after it was hit by a missile in a Houthi attack. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of three crew members, while four others sustained injuries. 

Rescue Mission by INS Kolkata:

The Indian Navy swiftly responded to the distress call from the merchant vessel, MV True Confidence, which was under attack by Houthi rebels. INS Kolkata, deployed for Maritime Security Operations in the region, was immediately deployed to rescue the stranded crew members. The vessel, flagged from Barbados, had a total of 21 crew members on board, including one Indian national.

Houthi Attack and Response:

According to reports, the Houthi rebels launched an anti-ship ballistic missile from the Yemeni areas they control, targeting the merchant vessel. The missile struck the vessel, causing significant damage and claiming the lives of three crew members. The crew, in a desperate attempt to save themselves, abandoned the ship and awaited rescue.

Successful Rescue Operation:

The Indian Navy, with its expertise and resources, quickly swung into action. The crew members were located on a life raft and rescued using INS Kolkata's integral helicopter and boats. The Navy's medical team provided critical medical aid to the injured crew members. The rescued crew, including the critically injured, were evacuated to Djibouti, an East African country.

Indian Navy's Swift Actions:

This rescue operation comes just days after the INS Kolkata successfully escorted another merchant vessel, MSC Sky II, to safety following a Houthi attack. The Indian Navy, despite not being part of the multinational coalition in the area, has been actively assisting distressed ships. The Navy has deployed several warships in the region to counter piracy attempts and protect merchant vessels from Houthi attacks.

Red Sea Crisis and Indian Navy's Role:

The Red Sea crisis hit close to home for India when a commercial vessel carrying oil from Saudi Arabia was attacked by a drone last December. As a result, the Indian Navy increased its presence in the region to safeguard the movement of merchant vessels through the Red Sea. Currently, the Indian Navy has deployed approximately 10 to 12 warships, including frigates and destroyers, in the Indian Ocean Region.

Ensuring Crew Safety and Maritime Security:

The Indian Navy's prompt and successful rescue operations in the Gulf of Aden underline its commitment to ensuring the safety of merchant vessels and their crew members. By swiftly responding to distress calls and carrying out daring rescue missions, the Navy demonstrates its dedication to maintaining maritime security in the region.