Amidst reports of a Maltese bulk carrier facing threat from pirates 200 nautical miles west of Lakshadweep Islands early Saturday, Indian Navy rushed its ship INS Sujatha for assistance.
The Maltese ship MV Melina I was on passage from Ukraine to Paradip in Orissa when it was learnt to
have encountered the pirates, a Navy release said in Kochi.
The Southern Naval Command in Kochi said INS Sujatha has on board an armed helicopter and Marine Commandos (MARCOS) to effectively deal with any "emergent situation".
Indian Coast Guard Vessel CGS Annie Basant and a dornier aircraft have also been dispatched to render assistance, it said.