INS Chennai moves towards hijacked ship off Somalia coast, 15 Indians aboard
A Liberian-flagged ship was hijacked near the coast of Somalia, with 15 Indian crew members on board. The Indian Navy has sprung into action, deploying the warship INS Chennai to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of the crew.
The Indian Navy is closely monitoring the hijacked ship ‘MV LILA NORFOLK’, about which information was received around last evening.
Indian Navy aircraft have been keeping a watch on plane and communication has been established with the crew who were in a safe house on board the ship, said military officials.
The Indian Navy’s Mission deployed platforms responded swiftly to a maritime incident in the Arabian Sea involving a hijacking attempt onboard Liberia Flagged bulk carrier. The vessel had sent a message on UKMTO portal indicating boarding by approx five to six unknown armed personnel on Thursday evening.
Responding swiftly to the developing situation, Indian Navy launched an MPA and has diverted INS Chennai deployed for Maritime Security Operations to assist the vessel.
The aircraft overflew the vessel on early morning of 05 Jan 24 and established contact with the vessel, ascertaining the Safety of the crew.
Naval aircraft continues to monitor movement and INS Chennai is closing the vessel to render assistance.
The overall situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with other agencies/ MNF in the area. The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of merchant shipping in the region along with international partners and friendly foreign countries.
