MARCOS: Navy Marines Who Helped Hijacked Ship’s Crew

Context: The marine commandos (MARCOS) of the Indian Navy safely evacuated the Indian crew from the bulk carrier, after a UK organization indicated pirate hijacking. 

Indian Navy Evacuates 21-Member Crew of Vessel Hijacked in Arabian Sea

• The UK Maritime Traffic Organization indicated that the 88,000-ton Merchant vessel MV Lila Norfolk had fallen prey to Hijacking in the Arabian Sea.
• After receiving the SOS, the Indian Navy deployed warships, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and Predator MQ9B drones near the hijacked ship. 
• MARCOS commandos assisted the search and rescue operation. The commandos thoroughly sanitized the ship and rescued all the Indian crew aboard. 
• The hijacking incident occurs amidst increasing worries about Houthi militants intensifying assaults on commercial ships in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Must Read: How Are Houthi Attacks On Ships In The Red Sea Affecting Global Economy?

Why are there Enhanced Episodes of  Piracy in the Arabian Sea?

• Strategic location: The Arabian Sea is a vital shipping lane for global trade, with large volumes of oil tankers and cargo ships passing through.  
• Accessibility and geography: The long coastlines of Somalia and Yemen, coupled with numerous small islands make it easy for pirates to attack and escape. 
• Regional instability: The ongoing civil war in Yemen and the instability in Somalia , coupled with shift in focus towards Houthis have led to increased episodes of piracy. 

About MARCOS

• The MARCOs or Marine Commando Force of the Indian Navy comprise the toughest soldiers who undergo rigorous training to conduct swift and stealthy responses. 
  • MARCOs are modeled on the US Navy SEALS.
• Formation: The MARCOs were formed in 1987, with collaboration of  the National Security Guard, Garud, Para commandos, Force One
• Operation: They can operate across diverse environments, encompassing sea, air, and land
• Motto: ‘The few The fearless’ is the MARCOs’ motto. 
• Past Operations: MARCOS has earned recognition for its remarkable performance in Cactus, Leech, Pawan, and  in the 26/11 Mumbai attack operation.
  • ‘Operation Pawan’ was an operation against LTTE in the 1980s amidst the Sri Lankan Civil War, which helped restore peace in the region. 

India Led Initiatives in Indian Ocean

• SAGAR: Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) is India’s policy or doctrine of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. 
• Net security Provider: India has emerged as a regional power and net security provider in the Indo-Pacific by providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to regional partners through multilateral partnerships. Eg- Operation Rahat. 

Read More about: Houthi Attacks, here.

News Source: Hindustan Times