By Jite Eriabie
Indian-flagged bulk carrier MV Jag Amar with 26 crew members on board was rescued from pirate hands on Friday while sailing in the Gulf of Aden.
The ship was being escorted by INS Trishul, a stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, when a boat carrying out “suspicious manoeuvers” started to approach the merchant ship, the Indian Navy said.
The attempt of attacking the bulker was foiled by the navy forces, who boarded the skiff and seized the weapons contained on board.
“The skiff was carrying items identified as piracy triggers and some small arms with ammunition. Marine commandos boarded the pirate boat and neutralized all piracy triggers in accordance with standard operating procedures.
“An AK 47, one magazine with 27 rounds and other piracy triggers comprising grapnels, ladders, ropes and fuel drums were recovered from the pirates. 12 pirates and their skiff were let off after removing all piracy triggers,” the navy added.
The newbuilding bulker Jag Amar with all 26 Indian crew is reported to be safe and is continuing its passage toward Al Jubail in Saudi Arabia.
The 82,100 DWT ship, built in January this year by Jiangsu New Yangzijiang, is owned by India’s Great Eastern Shipping company.
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