Indian Navy Monitors Hijacked Ship With 15 Indians Near Somalia

Late last evening, near the coast of Somalia, the cargo ship 'MV LILA NORFOLK' was hijacked, and it is being closely monitored by the Indian Navy, which has dispatched a warship toward it, as stated by military officials on Friday, January 5. The ship that was hijacked has 15 Indians on board, and contact has been established with the crew.

According to military officials, the report about the ship's hijacking off the Somalia coast was received on Thursday evening. Furthermore, the ship has been under surveillance by Indian Navy aircraft. Additionally, the hijacked vessel is being approached by the Indian Navy warship INS Chennai to address the situation. Additionally, the Indian Navy warship INS Chennai is moving towards the hijacked vessel to tackle the situation.

Indian Navy's swift response to Hijack

A maritime incident in the Arabian Sea involving a hijacking attempt on a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier was swiftly responded to by the Indian Navy's Mission Deployed platforms, stated the Indian Navy in the press release. The vessel conveyed a message on the UKMTO portal, indicating boarding by approximately five to six unknown armed personnel in the evening on January 4, 2024, According to the Indian Navy.

In response to the developing situation, an MPA was launched by the Indian Navy, and INS Chennai, deployed for Maritime Security Operations, was diverted to assist the vessel. The aircraft overflew the vessel on the early morning of January 5, 2024, and established contact with the vessel, confirming the safety of the crew.

Further, the movement of the vessel continues to be monitored by naval aircraft, and INS Chennai is approaching the vessel to assist. The overall situation is under close monitoring, in coordination with other agencies/MNFs in the area. The commitment of the Indian Navy to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region, along with international partners and friendly foreign countries, remains steadfast.