India's navy has seized 16 Somali pirates after a three-hour-long battle in the Arabian Sea, a spokesman said. The navy also rescued 16 crew members of a hijacked Iranian ship west of the Lakshadweep islands.
An official press release on Sunday (27-Mar-2011) said the recent operation indicates the firm and resolute action taken by the Navy and the Coast Guard and demonstrates the nation's determination to strengthen safety of merchant shipping in the international sea lanes in the Arabian Sea. Proactive action being taken by the Navy has been lauded by the International Maritime Bureau, the release claims.
The officials rescued 16 fishermen — 12 Iranians and four Pakistanis — from the pirates.
