Iranian-Owned Bulker Freed from Pirate Control after Iran’s Navy Launches Raid [UPDATE]

Both Somalia Report and the Tehran Times are reporting that the M/V Eglantine, a Bolivian-flagged and Iranian-owned bulk carrier hijacked by Somali pirates just over a week ago, has been freed from pirate control.

According to the reports, the vessel was freed after a team of Iranian commandos stormed the vessel, capturing as many as 12 pirates in the raid and freeing both the vessel and hostages.

The Tehran Times, citing a public statement made by an Iranian Navy official, said the vessel was released after 36 hour operation launched from the Iranian navy destroyer, Jamaran, and adds that the pirates have since been transferred to Iranian soil.

The M/V Englantine was hijacked on March 26 approximately 200 nm southwest of Minicoy Island, India while carrying a cargo of sugar from Brazil to Iran.  The status of the 23 crewmembers onboard when the vessel was attacked is unknown at this time.

The 63,400 dwt M/V Englantine is now sailing towards the Omani Port of Salalah, reports Somalia Report.

UPDATE: According to Iran’s Naval Commander (and Iran’s PressTV), Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, Iran’s navy has over 11,000 men and 19 vessels in the Indian Ocean to counter pirate attacks and has received the coveted “Strategic Defence Award” from the IMO.  Check out the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4uC0irKx8w

Via Eaglespeak

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