Indian Navy Assist Iranian FV Struck by Merchant Ship

Iranian fishing vessel Ameen, with six Iranian crew onboard, operating east of Duqm, sustained damages allegedly due to a collision with a merchant vessel. The vessel sustained extensive damage, including a hull breach leading to water ingress.

Responding to the distress call from the fishing vessel (FV), an Indian naval ship, mission deployed in North Arabian Sea for maritime security operations, provided critical repair assistance and undertook strengthening of hull, rendering the boat safe for further transit.

Medical aid was also provided to three injured crew members. The spokesperson of the Indian navy didn’t identify the merchant vessel but said the incident happened east of Duqm.

The Indian coast guard also reports that it went to the assistance of an Indian fishing boat and rescued 11 crew members.

The fishing boat IFB King had become stranded with a crew of 11 aboard due to engine failure. The Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram went to the aid of the fishing boat. On February 5 it began a tow from approximately 280 nautical miles west of Minicoy island. Later they handed it over to the ICGS Minicoy.

Collaborative effort with the Fisheries Department ensured boat’s shelter at Minicoy Harbour, the Indian navy statement reads.

Last month the Indian navy deployed a warship and a maritime patrol aircraft in the Arabian Sea following the hijacking of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Lila Norfolk with 21 crew members, including 15 Indians.

The navy responded swiftly to the “developing situation” and deployed a maritime patrol aircraft and diverted frontline warship INS Chennai for the security of Lila Norfolk.

MV Lila Norfolk is owned by Lila Global, a dry bulk and tanker shipping company, and the ship-owning unit of Dubai-based GMS Leadership founded by Indian-born Dr. Anil Sharma.

Steve Kunzer, chief executive of the vessel’s owners Lila Global, thanked the Indian navy for the rescue.