New Delhi: On Thursday evening in Arabian waters, suspected pirates hijacked the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier MV Lila Norfolk, which had approximately a dozen Indian crew members on board.
The Indian Navy has initiated a rescue operation. The Navy’s statement mentioned that the vessel transmitted a distress message on the UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) portal, reporting the boarding by around five to six unknown armed individuals on the evening of January 4.
A maritime patrol aircraft was promptly dispatched, and the INS Chennai, engaged in Maritime Security Operations, was redirected to aid the vessel, as reported by The Print.
The aircraft confirmed the crew’s safety during an overflight on the morning of January 5 and maintains surveillance, while INS Chennai approaches to provide assistance. The situation is under constant monitoring, with coordination between the Navy, other agencies, and regional naval forces.
Various reports quoting sources saud that there are approximately twelve Indian crew members on board, and as of now, the safety compartment containing the crew remains unaffected by the hijackers.
Notably, the Indian Navy and Coast Guard had intensified operations in the Arabian Sea following a recent loitering munition attack on a merchant vessel. Guided missile destroyers INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, INS Kolkata, and INS Chennai were deployed for deterrence and monitoring of suspected vessels in the region.
Over the past week, Indian Naval task groups in the area have investigated numerous fishing and boarded vessels of interest. Continuous surveillance is conducted by maritime patrol aircraft and drones, focusing on white shipping, particularly Indian-flagged merchant vessels.
The Indian Navy is also collaborating with the Coast Guard to enhance surveillance within India’s exclusive economic zone.
