The hijacked Indian cargo vessel with its 13 crew members has been rescued from the pirates by Somali gunmen on October 21, 2008. According to an official, during the ambush, four pirates were caught while other four fled away. The Indian vessel was hijacked by the pirates over a week ago at Socotra Island. The vessel was heading towards Somalia.  

 

Despite the heavy international surveillance in Somali waters, the pirates managed to snatch away the Indian vessel. Over the past few months, the pirates in Somali waters have increased their activities. A total of 74 vessels had been hijacked by the pirates in one year and nearly 200 crew members are still under confinement.

 

India has sent warships to protect the cargo vessel from pirates. Besides this, warships of several nations are reported to be patrolling the Somali waters to prevent any attempt to unload the vessel. Regular hijacking of ships has increased the concern of international community. Some European countries have said that they would launch an anti-piracy patrol to stop the menace.