There were 12 suspected pirates and a search was on to locate them.

The Indian Navy on Friday thwarted a piracy attempt against an Indian bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden.

“Stealth frigate INS Trishul thwarted a piracy attempt on Indian registered merchant vessel 'Jag Amar' at 12:30 pm on Friday,” Navy spokesperson Capt. D.K. Sharma said.

“Jag Amar” is a 85,000-tonne bulk carrier.

INS Trishul. File photo | Photo Credit: VIVEK BENDRE

“Boarding of Jag Amar by Navy special forces, MARCOS, is in progress,” Capt. Sharma said. One AK magazine, 27 rounds, ladders and grapnels were recovered along with the suspected skiff used by pirates. There were 12 suspected pirates and a search was on to locate them.

The Indian Navy has continuously deployed a ship against piracy since 2008.