Navy deploys warship to monitor hijacked Liberian-flagged ship with 15 Indians on board

The Indian Navy has deployed a warship following an incident of hijacking of a Liberian-flagged merchant vessel, with 15 Indian crew members on board, in the Arabian Sea.

The incident of hijacking of the cargo ship MV Lila Norfolk was reported on Thursday (January 4) by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British military organisation that tracks movements of various vessels in strategic waterways.

Indian Navy's mission deployed platforms responded swiftly to a maritime incident in the Arabian Sea involving the hijacking on board a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, a Navy spokesperson said. He said the vessel sent a message on UKMTO portal indicating boarding by around five to six unknown armed personnel on Thursday evening (January 4).

Several Indian crew members

Responding swiftly to the developing situation, the Indian Navy launched a maritime patrol and has diverted INS Chennai, deployed for maritime security operations, to assist the vessel.

It is learnt that the crew of the vessel comprised a number of Indians.

Indian Navy's maritime patrol aircraft overflew the vessel early Friday (January 5) and established contact with the vessel, ascertaining the safety of the crew, the official said.

"Naval aircraft continues to monitor movement and INS Chennai is closing on the vessel to render assistance. The overall situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with other agencies in the area," said the official.

"The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of merchant shipping in the region along with international partners and friendly foreign countries," the spokesperson added.

(With inputs from agencies)