Northeast India’s Only English and Hindi Satellite News Channel

Indian Navy rescues all 21 crew of hijacked vessel off Somalia coast

First Published: 6th January, 2024 9:10 IST

INS Chennai diverted from her Anti-Piracy patrol and intercepted the MV at 3:15 pm on Friday.

After a high-voltage drama in the high seas, all 21 crew members including 15 Indian nationals from the hijacked vessel MV Lila Norfolk off Somalia coast were safely evacuated by the Indian Navy on Friday.

“Indian Navy’s Swift Response to the Hijacking Attempt of MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea. All 21 crew (incl 15 Indians) onboard safely evacuated from the citadel. Sanitisation by MARCOs has confirmed absence of the hijackers,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.

The attempt of hijacking by the pirates was probably abandoned with the forceful warning by the Indian Navy, MPA of interception by Indian Naval warship, the statement read.
INS Chennai is in the vicinity of MV and rendering support to restore the power generation and propulsion, and commence her voyage to next port of call.

Indian Navy’s elite Marine Commandos are still carrying out sanitisation operations in other parts of the vessel, the military officials told ANI.

According to the officials, MARCOS didn’t found any pirates on the hijacked vessel. The rescued crew has informed that the pirates had fired at the ship during hijack attempt after which they all hid themselves in the citadel.

INS Chennai diverted from her Anti-Piracy patrol and intercepted the MV at 3:15 pm on Friday.

“MV was kept under continuous surveillance using Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Predator MQ9B and integral helos. The Indian Navy Marine Commandos present onboard the Mission Deployed warship boarded the MV and have commenced the Sanitisation,” the earlier statement from Indian Navy stated.

In another development, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar issued directives to the Indian warships operating in the Arabian Sea to take the “strictest possible action” against the pirates, defence officials said.

Earlier, the Indian naval warship INS Chennai reached the hijacked vessel MV Lila Norfolk off Somalia coast and issued a warning to the pirates on board to abandon the vessel.

Earlier, the officials had informed that Merchant vessel MV Lila Norfolk was hijacked by pirates 300 nautical miles east of Somalia, while it was sailing from Port Du Aco in Brazil and was bound for Khalifa Bin Salman in Bahrain.

The Indian Navy’s Mission Deployed Platforms responded swiftly to the hijacking attempt on board a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier after it received a message on the UKMTO portal indicating boarding by approximately five to six unknown armed personnel on Thursday evening, the Indian Navy said in a statement.

In response to the situation, the Indian Navy launched an Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and diverted INS Chennai, deployed for maritime security operations, to assist the vessel. (ANI)

COMMENTS

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WE RECOMMEND

Banner
India makes formal bid to host Olympics 2036: MYAS Source

India ended its campaign at the recently concluded Paris Olympics with six medals, including five bronze and a silver.

05th November 2024
Banner
Bodoland Comes to Delhi to Showcase Cultural Heritage and Tourism Potential

The Bodoland Mohotsav celebrates the restoration of peace in the Bodoland region following the historic Bodo Peace Accord

03rd November 2024
Banner
PM Modi Urges People to Participate in Bhasha Gaurav Saptah to Honour Assamese Language

Bhasha Gaurav Saptah, a week-long celebration to celebrate the recent recognition of Assamese as a classical language by the Centre

03rd November 2024
Banner
Trump vows to protect Hindu Americans from radical left; strengthen ties with India

Trump also expressed his desire to boost partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he referred to as a "good friend."

01st November 2024
Banner
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Arrives in Tezpur to Celebrate Diwali with Jawans

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived in the garrison town of Tezpur, headquarters of Indian Army’s 4 Corp which is responsible for the security along the border with China in the Arunachal sector.The defence minister’s visit, primarily to celebrate Diwali with the Jawans, comes a day ahead of the joint patrolling along the Line of […]

30th October 2024