Cargo ship with 15 Indians hijacked off Somalia coast, India closely monitoring situation

Responding swiftly to the developing situation, Indian Navy launched a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)

Bound for Khalifa Bin Salman in Bahrain, a cargo ship, ‘MV LILA NORFOLK’ with 15 Indians onboard was hijacked by gunmen late last evening near the coast of Somalia.

Responding swiftly to the developing situation, Indian Navy launched a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and has diverted INS Chennai deployed for Maritime Security Operations to assist the vessel.

The aircraft overflew the vessel early this morning and established contact with the vessel, ascertaining the Safety of the crew.

The Indian Navy in a post confirmed about the development and said that communication has been successfully established with the crew in the hijacked ship.

In a post on X, the Navy said, “#IndianNavy’s Mission Deployed platforms respond to #hijacking in the #ArabianSea.
Liberia registered bulk carrier reported boarding by 5 – 6 unauthorised armed personnel on
@UK_MTO portal in the evening of #04Jan 24.
Indian Naval MPA launched, established contact with the vessel. #INSChennai deployed on #AntiPiracy patrol diverted for assistance.”

#IndianNavy's Mission Deployed platforms respond to #hijacking in the #ArabianSea.
Liberia registered bulk carrier reported boarding by 5 – 6 unauthorised armed personnel on @UK_MTO portal in the evening of #04Jan 24.
Indian Naval MPA launched, established contact with the…

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 5, 2024

Reports said the information about the ship being hijacked off Somalia coast was received on Thursday evening.

The Ministry of Defence is a statement said, “the 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.”

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1993347

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