Indian navy commandos have warded off a pirate attack on the Maltese-registered bulk carrier Melina 1 off the Indian coast, the navy has confirmed.

The attack took place over the weekend about 370 kmwest of India's Lakshwadeep islands.

"The attack had all the hallmarks of Somali pirates -- three mother ships and two skiffs were used.

The navy despatched elite marine commandos, a coastguard vessel and an attack helicopter when it received a distress call from the vessel.

The Greek-owned ship was escorted to safety as the pirates fled.

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