Indian Navy Foils Piracy Attack on Merchant Vessel in Gulf of Aden
In a swift and decisive operation, the Indian Naval Ship Trikand, a **stealth frigate** on mission in the Gulf of Aden, successfully thwarted a piracy attempt against the MV Golden Arsenal, a bulk carrier flying the flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on **July 1, 2026**.
While navigating through the Gulf, the MV Golden Arsenal reported an attack by pirates approximately **300 nautical miles east-northeast of Djibouti.** The distress signal was coordinated through the **Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR),** prompting INS Trikand to move in for support.
The MV Golden Arsenal was carrying a crew of **21 members**, including an Indian national. Despite sustaining damage to its bridge superstructure and nearby compartments, all crew members managed to take refuge in the ship’s citadel, ensuring their safety.
On the morning of **July 2, 2026**, a specialized boarding team from INS Trikand boarded the MV Golden Arsenal to secure the vessel and evaluate the circumstances. Their thorough search revealed no suspicious personnel on board. The crew was able to safely exit the citadel, and together with Indian Navy personnel, they assessed the condition of the ship.
Aerial Support Enhances Maritime Security
To bolster the operations, the Indian Navy deployed a **P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft** for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance, further enhancing the awareness of the maritime domain and supporting the anti-piracy mission.
With the threat neutralized and the vessel completely sanitized, INS Trikand concluded its anti-piracy operations. The MV Golden Arsenal was then cleared to continue its journey.
The Indian Navy affirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of merchant vessels, the battle against piracy, and the safety of all seafarers in the region, regardless of their nationality. This operation underscores the Navy’s ongoing dedication to maintaining maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
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