The Tabar, a Talwar class stealth frigate that is one the Navy’s most modern warships, has been patrolling the waters off Somalia since last month, and has so far escorted over 35 ships, including foreign vessels, through the Gulf of Aden. On November 11, it rescued the Indian-registered MV Jag Arnav and the Saudi Arabian chemical tanker NCC Tihama from pirates. The Tabar is mandated to “protect our seaborne trade, instill confidence in our seafaring community as well as function as a deterrent for pirates”.

The Navy does not currently have the authority of either ‘hot pursuit’ or preemptive attacks on pirates. It has sought greater autonomy to coordinate with foreign naval ships in the area.

WAVES OF ATTACKS

Wireless transmits from Somali waters received in India show pirates have attacked around two ships every day over the last week. Some excerpts:

10.11.2008: 1400 UTC: Posn: 13:27.6N-048:26.8E: Gulf of Aden

Pirates armed with RPG and guns boarded a chemical tanker. Holding 23 crew hostage. Sailing tanker to undisclosed location in Somalia. Details awaited.

10.11.2008: 1005 UTC: Posn: 01:12.5N-050:41.1: 250 nm east of Mogadishu

Two speedboats approached refrigerated cargo ship, one from stbd quarter, other from astern. Started to open fire. Ship made evasive manoeuvres. Speedboats could not get closer due to the waves. Later speedboats aborted attempt. Ship sustained damages...

11.11.2008: 0415 UTC: Posn: 12:45N-045:04E: Gulf of Aden

Two speedboats with 3-4 armed pirates in each chased bulk carrier. Evasive manoeuvres made, warship contacted. Naval helicopter arrived and interrupted speedboats. Speedboats aborted attack. Later, warship sighted, established contact.

... contd.