Third Indian vessel freed from Somalian pirates

GANDHINAGAR - The third of the eight Indian cargo vessels hijacked by Somalian pirates has been freed in a joint American-Omani Navy operation, according to delayed reports reaching here Tuesday.

According to the Kutch-based Vahanvatta Association, the cargo vessel Osmani was rescued in the joint operation Monday. Of the eight member crew, one - Sultan Ahmed - is reported to have lost his life when he panicked and jumped into the sea after the naval operation began.

MV Osmani was hijacked by the pirates March 28 while on its way from Dubai to Mogadishu.

However, it came into the sights of an American navy ship patrolling the seas, which tailed it into Omani waters.

Further news is awaited, association sources said Tuesday night.