The Indian Navy says its warship INS Trikand thwarted a piracy attempt against the merchant vessel MV Golden Arsenal in the Gulf of Aden on July 1. The ship responds to a distress call after the merchant vessel reported an attempted pirate attack while transiting in the area, approximately 300 nautical miles east-northeast of Djibouti. According to reports, the suspected pirates attempted to board but fled when INS Trikand approached. The merchant vessel’s crew then shelter in a safe room/citadel and alert authorities through communications. Indian Marine Commandos (MARCOS) later boarded MV Golden Arsenal and sanitise the vessel to ensure it is secure. Sources report that there are no crew injuries, though the vessel sustained some damage. Multiple outlets also note that INS Trikand is operating in the region as part of ongoing maritime security efforts. Separately, The Hindu cites an IMO warning that three other ships remain held by pirates, including one with an Indian crew member, indicating that piracy incidents continue to affect shipping in the wider area.