Indian Navy’s Mission Deployed platforms responded swiftly to a maritime incident in Arabian Sea involving a hijacking attempt onboard Liberia Flagged bulk carrier. The vessel had sent a message on UKMTO portal indicating boarding by approximately five to six unknown armed personnel in the evening on 04 Jan 24.
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 on early morning of 05 Jan 24 and established contact with the vessel, ascertaining the Safety of the crew. INS Chennai diverted from Anti Piracy patrol intercepted MV Lila Norfolk at 1515h on 05 Jan 2024. Merchant Vessel was kept under continuous surveillance using Maritime patrol aircraft, Predator MQ9B & integral helicopters. After stern warning to hijackers Indian Navy deployed MARCOS commandos to sanitise the vessel.
All 21 crew (including 15 Indians) onboard safely evacuated. Sanitisation by MARCOs has confirmed absence of the hijackers personnel. 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. INS Chennai is in the vicinity of MV and rendering support to restore the power generation & propulsion, and commence her voyage to next port of call. MARCOS have not 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.
The rescue operations of the hijacked vessel MV Lili Norfolk, by the Indian Navy warship INS Chennai, were seen live by the Indian Navy officials at the naval headquarters using the feed sent by the MQ-9B Predator drones of force. Soon after the piracy incident was reported last night, the drones were directed to keep an eye on the ship and provide real-time information to the officials concerned.
The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of merchant shipping in the region along with international partners and friendly foreign countries.
