TEHRAN (Tasnim) � The Iranian Navy�s 42nd flotilla of warships rescued seven sailors aboard a vessel that had been adrift in the northern Indian Ocean for two weeks, a high-ranking Navy official announced.





Deputy Commander of Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi said the 42nd naval flotilla on Sunday came across a fishing vessel of the country in the Indian Ocean and saved its sailors.

He added that due to a serious damage to propulsion system of the vessel and in order to prevent a possible pirate attack, the vessel was towed by the fleet�s Alvand Destroyer.

The 42nd flotilla of warships set sail for international waters on July 18 as part of regular missions to ensure security of the country�s trade vessels.

The fleet, comprising Alvand destroyer and Tonb logistic warship, departed Iran�s southern coasts for the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The flotilla set sail from the southern port city of Bandar Abbas after its predecessor, the 41st flotilla, returned home from a 48-day overseas mission, during which it sailed 5,130 nautical miles and escorted 46 Iranian ships and oil tankers in international waters.

In recent years, Iran�s naval forces have increased their presence in international waters to secure naval routes and protect merchant vessels and oil tankers against pirates.

By Tasnim News Agency