The U K Telegraph reported yesterday that an Indian naval ship closed in on a hijacked fishing vessel just under 700 miles off the Kerala coastal port of Cochin, capturing 61 suspected pirates and 13 of the boat's crew who had been held captive.
According to the article:
"They were finally caught on Sunday after they opened fire on the approaching Indian naval ship. They were forced to jump overboard when their own vessel was set ablaze caught fire in fierce retaliatory fire from the Indian ship. The 13 original crew members were freed in the raid. Indian officials said they found 80 to 90 small arms or rifles and some heavy weapons on the fishing vessel."
"The number of pirate attacks and the scale of their demands has increased singnificantly in recent months. More than 660 people are currently believed to be held hostage in pirates from raids on 30 ships."
The article reports that India has increased its anti-pirate activity in the Indian Ocean. In January 15 pirates were captured; in February 28.
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