In a positive end to a hijacking attempt in the North Arabian Sea, Indian Navy MARCOS (Marine Commandos) on Friday evening secured and safely evacuated all 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the merchant vessel Lila Norfolk after it came under a hijacking attempt.
“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’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and interception by Indian Naval warship,” the Navy said in a statement. “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.”
The bulk carrier Lila Norfolk had sent a message on UKMTO (U.K. Maritime Trade Operations) portal on Thursday evening, when it was 460nm off the coast from Eyl, Somalia, indicating boarding by approximately five to six unknown armed persons, the Navy said. Responding to the call, the Indian Navy diverted destroyer INS Chennai which was on anti-piracy patrol in the region while an MPA overflew the vessel in the morning and established contact, ascertaining the safety of the crew.
