Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 27: A Jammu based Naval officer, Lt Cdr Harshul Bhat has been honoured with NAO Sena Medal by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.
On March 16, 2024, the officer showcased exemplary leadership and bravery as the Team Commander of Marine Commandos onboard INS Kolkata during the successful rescue operation of 17 crew members onboard Malta-flagged Motor Vessel (MV) Ruen of Bulgaria. The vessel was hijacked and the crew members were held captive by 35 armed pirates since Dec 14, 2023.
The vessel was being utilised as a mother vessel by these 35 armed pirates, to initiate piracy attempts on other MVs transiting through the area in international waters. INS Kolkata decided to undertake a daring boarding operation with MARCOS present onboard.
Lt Cdr Harshul Bhat, rose to the occasion and conducted a swift and audacious rescue mission. The officer undertook a snap mission planning to execute this complex operation which posed a significant risk to the hostages and his team.
Leading a team of 14 commandos against the formidable 35 armed pirates, the officer demonstrated remarkable adaptability and foresight. He led the assault team and established initial access to the vessel. He strategically positioned his team to secure vital areas which enabled cordoning the pirates. After 40 hours of operation, the pirates were forced to surrender.
The officer ensured strict discipline and trigger control by the team without any collateral damage and ensured safe evacuation of all 17 hostages who were held captive since Dec 14, 2023. He maintained an audacious approach to regain control of the vessel and undertook comprehensive sensitisation of MV Ruen, deck by deck, against any IED threat or hidden pirates.
For his indomitable courage, tactical sharpness and unwavering dedication under demanding and complex circumstances, Lt Cdr Harshul Bhat was awarded Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) today in Delhi by the Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi in the Naval Investiture Ceremony.
The operation was appreciated internationally. It may be mentioned here that Lt Cdr Bhat was student of MHAC School, Nagbani Jammu and Stephen International Public School, RS Pura, Jammu. He was commissioned as Naval officer in 2018.
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