NEW DELHI: Indian warship INS Godavari deployed to the Gulf of Aden, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, has thwarted a piracy attempt on a Greek Merchant Vessel MV Elinakos. On an anti-piracy mission off the Somalian waters, guided missile frigate INS Godavari was escorting four ships when it got a distress call from MV Elinakos on July 16. Immediately, it launched a helicopter with Marine Commandos to help the vessel.
“INS Godavari was quick to launch a helicopter to locate the skiff being used by the pirates. She subsequently launched marine commandos to board the pirate boat. On being approached by the naval boat, the pirates dumped their arms, ammunition and other piracy triggers,” an Indian Navy official said. A German naval ship Niedersachsen also coordinated with Godavari in the operation. INS Godavari continued with her escort mission on completion of the operation. INS Godavari has been deployed in anti-piracy escort operations in the Gulf of Aden since May 25.
