Operation NISTAR: Indian Navy successfully evacuates 38 Indian Nationals from Yemen

June 8, 2018

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sunayana successfully evacuated 38 Indian Nationals after it entered Porbandar harbour in Gujarat. They were rescued from cyclone-hit Socotra island in Yemen under swift Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operation (HADR) code named Operation NISTAR.

Background

Indian Nationals were stranded for nearly 10 days after severe cyclonic storm Mekunu devastated area around Socotra Island. Indian Navy deployed INS Sunayna from Gulf of Aden to Socotra Island for search and rescue operations after it received distress call from Directorate General of Shipping and Indian Sailing Vessels Association. The 38 Indian nationals were safely embarked onboard ship after they were successfully rescued and evacuated. They were provided with medical care, food, water and telephone facilities. INS Sunayana also undertook intensive surface search and aerial reconnaissance of area to look for any more survivors.