After a high-voltage drama on the high seas, the Indian Navy successfully rescued all 21 crew members of the hijacked vessel MV Lila Norfolk off the coast of Somalia. The crew, including 15 Indian nationals, were safely evacuated by the Indian Navy on Friday.
The Indian Navy’s prompt response to the hijacking attempt was instrumental in ensuring the safety of the crew. The Navy released a statement confirming the successful evacuation of the crew from the hijacked vessel’s citadel. The statement also mentioned that the Navy’s elite Marine Commandos had conducted a thorough sanitization operation and confirmed the absence of any hijackers.
It is believed that the hijacking attempt was abandoned after the Indian Navy issued a forceful warning and intercepted the vessel with one of its warships. The INS Chennai is currently providing support to restore the power generation and propulsion of the MV Lila Norfolk, enabling it to continue its voyage to the next port of call.
The Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy are still conducting sanitization operations in other areas of the vessel to ensure the complete safety of the crew. According to officials, no pirates were found on board the hijacked ship. The rescued crew members shared that the pirates had fired at the ship during the hijack attempt, leading them to hide in the citadel.
The INS Chennai, which was on an Anti-Piracy patrol, swiftly diverted its course and intercepted the MV Lila Norfolk at 3:15 pm on Friday. Continuous surveillance of the hijacked vessel was maintained using Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Predator MQ9B, and integral helicopters. The Marine Commandos present on board the warship boarded the MV and initiated the sanitization process.
In response to the incident, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar has issued directives for the Indian warships operating in the Arabian Sea to take the strictest possible action against pirates. The Navy is determined to tackle piracy effectively in the region.
The MV Lila Norfolk, a merchant vessel under the Liberian flag, was hijacked by pirates approximately 300 nautical miles east of Somalia. The vessel was en route from Port Du Aco in Brazil to Khalifa Bin Salman in Bahrain when the hijacking took place.
The Indian Navy’s Mission Deployed Platforms demonstrated a rapid and effective response to the hijacking attempt after receiving a distress message on the UKMTO (United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations) portal. The Navy deployed a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and diverted the INS Chennai to assist the hijacked vessel.
The successful rescue operation by the Indian Navy highlights their capability and commitment to ensuring the safety and security of maritime trade in the region. The Navy’s swift action and coordination have thwarted the pirates’ plans and protected the lives of the crew members on board the MV Lila Norfolk.
