Shyam Sood
Rajouri-New Delhi, January 18: Indian Navy once again comes to the rescue of a civilian ship Marshall Island flagged MV Genco Picardy that came under drone attack in Gulf of Aden at about 11 pm on January 17.
It is pertinent to mention here that the distress call from Marshall Island flagged MV Genco Picardy was received by INS Visakhapatnam, which is on mission in Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations.
Immediately after receiving distress call INS Visakhapatnam swiftly responded to the call and intercepted the vessel at 0030 hours on Thursday in order to provide assistance.
“Indian Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists from INS Visakhapatnam boarded the vessel in the early hours of 18 Jan 24 to inspect the damaged area. EOD specialists, after a thorough inspection, have rendered the area safe for further transit,” said the Indian Navy.
MV Genco Picardy with 22 crew, including 9 Indians, reported nil casualties and fire was also brought under control.
The vessel is proceeding to the next port of call.
Earlier this month Indian Navy rescued 21 crew members of merchant vessel Liberian flagged MV Lila Norfolk which had been hijacked by six armed men in the North Arabian Sea. INS Chennai responded to the distress call.
