Dramatic Video Shows Navy Rescuing Merchant Ship Hit By Missile In Gulf Of Aden, 21 Crew Including One Indian Saved

The Indian Navy on Thursday (7 March) shared a video (watch here) of rescuing a Barbados-flagged bulk carrier MV True Confidence after it caught fire on being hit either by a drone or missile.

The crew was critically injured and had to abandon the ship. INS Kolkata deployed for Maritime Security Operations, arrived on location and rescued 21 crew including one Indian national.

They were rescued using integral helicopter and boats. After providing critical medical aid to the injured, the crew was subsequently evacuated to Djibouti, a country in East Africa near the Gulf of Aden.

The video shows the crew members being lifted from life rafts in the sea by a helicopter and then being brought to the Indian Navy's ship, where they received treatment and were given food and water.

Eight people were rescued by lifting using helicopter, while the others, especially those injured, were brought on the Indian Navy's two boats as they couldn't climb up. A Navy officer thanked the Djibouti government for quick medical attention.

The incident happened on 6 March approximately 54 nautical miles South West of Aden. INS Kolkata reached there for rescue at 4:45 pm. Nine ambulances were provided by the Djibouti government to take the injured.

This comes amid growing attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy has been playing a significant role as a net security provider by responding to rescue calls.