Indian navy has again warned Dhow, small ship, owners to avoid the piracy prone areas off Somalia. Despite the advisories issued by the DG Shipping, Indian dhows continue to operate in these piracy infested areas, placing at risk the lives of Indian crew onboard. Navy spokesperson told reporters in New Delhi today,the owners and crew of these dhows are fully aware of the risks and dangers of operating so close to the Somali coast, but they continue to do so for commercial considerations. The advisory has been reiterated in the backdrop of hijacking of the vessal M V Rak Africana, near Seychelles enroute to Zanzibar on Sunday with 11 Indians onboard.<br/>Meanwhile , Indian Navy has replaced INS Beas on anti piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden INS Betwa with an armed helicopter and Marine Commando team . She is the 16th Indian Naval ship to be deployed since Oct 2008. During this period, Indian Naval ships have safely escorted more than 930 merchant ships of different nationalities, with, over 7780 Indians as crew. These include over 124 Indian flagged merchant ships. No merchant ship under the escort of an Indian Naval warship has been hijacked thus far and more than 15 piracy attempts have been prevented by Indian Naval warships. In addition to India, warships of other countries are also operating in the Gulf of Aden. Not withstanding the presence of a large number of multinational naval forces in the Gulf of Aden, the contribution of the Indian Navy for anti piracy efforts in the region will continue in future.