Navy rescues Indian nationals stranded in Socotra Islands for 10 days

The Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operation (HADR) was code named Operation NISTAR.

The Indian nationals were stranded for nearly 10 days after severe Cyclonic Storm – Mekunu – devastated the area around Socotra Island.

INS Sunayna was diverted from Gulf of Aden deployment to Socotra Island for search and rescue operations after Indian Navy received a distress call from Directorate General of Shipping and Indian Sailing Vessels Association.

Images: SpokespersonNavy/TwitterThe 38 Indian nationals were successfully rescued/ evacuated in the early morning of Jun 3.

All evacuees were safely embarked onboard the ship and were immediately provided with medical care, food, water and telephone facilities, the release said.

Thereafter, the ship also undertook intensive surface search and aerial reconnaissance of the area to look for any more survivors.

Upon entering harbour, INS Sunayna was received by Rear Admiral Sanjay Roye, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat, Daman & Diu Naval Area.

After initial briefing about the scheduled disembarkation formalities, all 38 Indian nationals were put through mandatory customs clearance and immigration checks.

Post completion of all the administrative formalities, they were handed over to the civil police to facilitate their return to their respective home towns.

Images: SpokespersonNavy/Twitter