In a developing maritime crisis, the Indian Navy is actively monitoring and responding to the hijacking of the Liberian-flagged merchant ship, ‘MV Lila Norfolk,’ near the coast of Somalia. The vessel reportedly has 15 Indian crew members on board, and the Indian Navy is swiftly deploying resources to address the situation.
Indian Navy aircraft have been deployed to keep a watchful eye on the movements of the hijacked ship. Effective communication has been established with the vessel, providing a crucial link to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the crew on board.
“The vessel had sent a message on the UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) portal, indicating boarding by approximately five to six unknown armed personnel on the evening of January 4, 2024,” stated the Indian Navy in an official statement.
The Indian warship INS Chennai is on its way to the hijacked vessel, aiming to intervene and tackle the situation. Ongoing monitoring, coordination with other agencies, and cooperation with the Maritime Security Forces in the region are part of the Navy’s comprehensive response plan.
Details surrounding the hijacking, including the identity of the perpetrators, remain undisclosed at this point.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another piracy event in the Arabian Sea, where a Maltese-flagged merchant vessel was seized by unknown attackers. The Indian Navy, in a swift operation, evacuated one injured crew member from the hijacked cargo vessel, highlighting the increasing concerns about piracy in the region.
The piracy attack raises questions about the safety of maritime trade routes, prompting a renewed focus on security measures and international cooperation to counter such threats.
