61 Pirates Captured in Arabian Sea

Indian Authorities have captured 61 pirates in Arabian Sea, 695 miles off the Kerala coastal port of Cochin.

The pirates were captured after two Indian Naval ships closed in on a hijacked fishing vessel. The boat was carrying 61 suspected pirates and 13 of the boat’s crewmembers.

The Mozambique-flagged VEGA 5 was hijacked in December 2010 and had since been used as a mother ship for pirates to launch attacks on other larger vessels.

Indian officials say commandos opened fire on the fishing boat and a fire soon broke out on the vessel, forcing those onboard to jump overboard.

The 13 crewmembers being held hostage were freed in the raid. Officials say they found 80 to 90 small arms and rifles including heavy weapons onboard the VEGA 5.

The hostages and captured pirates have been taken to Mumbai, where the suspected pirates will await trial.

Pirates are currently holding 25 vessels and an estimated 577 hostages.