The weekend hijacking of a supertanker and general increase in pirate activity have finally led the Indian Navy to take things into their own hands– by sending out a battleship.
In a short shootout that took place Tuesday evening about 525 kilometers southwest of Oman’s Salalah port, the Indian battleship successfully set fire and caused multiple explosions on board the Somalian’s version of the Black Pearl. Two speed boats were able to escape the fight and the mother ship itself limped away. There are unconfirmed reports of the pirate boat actually sinking. Update: Battleship!
The battle took place after repetitive request for surrender. The pirates scurried about the deck with their guns and rocket launchers; the Indian battle ship fired a couple shots and showed the pirates who’s boss. Its unclear if the pirates tried to invoke a parley.
This is great news for India. First they splatter their flag all over the moon, then take out the pirate ship everyone else was scared to fight. We’ll be watching the Bombay Stock Exchange today to see if they can pull a three-peat. Go India Go.
